GOA, India — The owners of a nightclub in Goa, India, fled the country just hours after a deadly fire at their establishment killed 25 people over the weekend, police confirmed on Tuesday. The tragedy, which struck a club in Arpora, a popular tourist destination in northern Goa, has sparked national outrage and raised questions about fire safety compliance in India’s entertainment sector.

Details of the Tragic Fire

The majority of the victims were club staff, including four Nepali citizens. Officials believe the blaze was triggered by electrical firecrackers, which ignited wooden sections of the club. Most casualties occurred in the basement and kitchen areas due to suffocation, as smoke spread rapidly through the confined space.

Goa police identified the nightclub owners as brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who reportedly boarded a flight to Phuket, Thailand, immediately after the incident. Authorities have appealed to Interpol for assistance in locating the men, describing their departure as an effort to avoid investigation.

Government and Police Response

Police officers traveled to New Delhi to raid the brothers’ home, only to find they had already left India. “It shows their intent to avoid police investigation,” officials stated. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the arrest of four individuals connected to the nightclub and ordered inspections of other nightclubs across the state to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Saurabh Luthra expressed “profound grief” over the tragedy on social media and promised assistance to victims’ families, without disclosing his current location.

Safety Concerns in India

Fires in India, particularly in nightclubs and public venues, are often exacerbated by poor building practices, overcrowding, and insufficient adherence to safety regulations. The Arpora nightclub fire underscores the ongoing challenges authorities face in enforcing fire safety standards, especially in regions that attract large numbers of domestic and international tourists.

Goa, located along the Arabian Sea, draws millions of visitors each year for its nightlife, beaches, and coastal culture. The fire has prompted calls for stricter oversight of entertainment venues to prevent similar tragedies in the future.