Panaji, Dec 8, 2025: In the wake of a tragic fire that claimed 25 lives at the Arpora outlet of the controversial Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, the Goa government has intensified its crackdown on the hospitality chain, sealing two of its other properties in the state. Authorities have also launched a hunt for the club promoters, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, against whom a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered.

Deadly Fire at Arpora Nightclub

The fire broke out late on Saturday night at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in 25 fatalities. The majority of the victims were staff members, with five tourists among the deceased, including four from Delhi. Fire officials reported that most deaths were due to suffocation, as people were trapped on the ground floor and in the kitchen.

Preliminary investigations indicate that fireworks or pyrotechnics were likely the trigger for the blaze. The nightclub reportedly lacked a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department and did not adhere to basic fire safety norms. The first distress call was made at 11:45 PM, shortly before the fire spread rapidly throughout the club.

Arrests and Legal Action

The Anjuna police have arrested four senior members of the club management:

• Rajiv Modak, Chief General Manager
• Vivek Singh, General Manager
• Rajveer Singhania, Bar Manager
• Riyanshu Thakur, Gate Manager

Authorities confirmed that all four are in custody as investigations continue into lapses in safety protocols and operational negligence.

Sealing of Other Properties

As part of the intensified crackdown, the North Goa district administration has sealed two other properties of the Romeo Lane chain in Goa:

• A beach shack at Vagator
• Another club at Assagao

Officials stated that action was initiated against these properties due to ongoing disputes and safety concerns.

Hunt for Promoters

A state police team has been dispatched to Delhi to locate and apprehend the promoters, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who face charges under the FIR filed in connection with the blaze. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that both would be arrested once traced.

Government Response and Investigation

Chief Minister Sawant directed top officials, including Chief Secretary V Candavelou and DGP Alok Kumar, to identify and take action against government officials who allegedly allowed the club to operate despite clear violations of safety regulations. The preliminary inquiry revealed that electric firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices were set off inside the club, which likely ignited the blaze.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns over fire safety compliance in Goa’s nightlife sector, particularly regarding unauthorized clubs operating without proper approvals. The government has pledged strict enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.

Next Steps

Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the fire, the chain of lapses in safety procedures, and accountability of the club management and regulatory authorities. The state government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and for those injured in the fire.

This incident has once again highlighted the risks of lax safety oversight in entertainment and hospitality venues, and authorities have vowed to take stern measures to ensure compliance across the state.