Panaji, December 7, 2025 – In the aftermath of a devastating fire that claimed 25 lives at the popular Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, state authorities have taken swift and decisive action. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the chief general manager and three other staff members of the nightclub have been arrested in connection with the tragedy, as part of a broader probe into the incident that has shaken the state and the nation.

The fire, which erupted shortly after midnight on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of four tourists and 14 staff members, with the identities of the remaining seven victims still being confirmed. Additionally, six people were injured and are undergoing treatment. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the blaze spread rapidly due to the use of electric firecrackers during a performance and the club’s highly flammable ceiling materials. Narrow exits and overcrowding further exacerbated the situation, preventing timely evacuation and contributing to the high death toll.

Immediate Action and Arrests

Following the tragedy, Goa CM Sawant convened a high-level meeting with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Revenue Secretary, North SP, and other concerned officers, to review the situation and chart a course of action. As a result, an FIR was registered against the club owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, along with the manager and event organizers.

In a press briefing, CM Sawant stated:
“I have directed the DGP to take strict punitive action against all guilty parties, including the owners and management of the club. We have also constituted a committee comprising the District Magistrate, SP South, Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, and Director of Forensics to conduct a magistral inquiry into procedural lapses. The report is expected within a week.”

The arrested staff members include the chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur. Authorities have indicated that further arrests, including the club owners, are imminent as the investigation progresses.

Committee Formed to Probe Fire

The state government has formed a dedicated committee to inquire into the fire tragedy. This committee will examine all procedural lapses that contributed to the incident, including the issuance of trade licenses and adherence to safety regulations. The investigation will also review whether the club operated without the necessary approvals or flouted fire safety rules.

CM Sawant elaborated that government officials responsible for allowing the club to function despite clear violations would face disciplinary action. He also announced that an audit of all nightclubs and commercial establishments with high footfall will be conducted to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Ex-Gratia Assistance for Victims and Families

In a gesture of immediate relief, CM Sawant announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, to be sanctioned through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). A dedicated team of police and health authorities has been constituted to ensure that the mortal remains of the deceased are transported safely to their native places.

“The government will provide complete assistance for transporting the deceased to their homes,” Sawant said. He further assured that strict punitive measures would be taken against all responsible parties.

Detention of Panchayat Sarpanch

The panchayat sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa, Roshan Redkar, has been detained in connection with the fire incident for issuing a trade license for the premises back in 2013. The move is part of the wider probe into administrative lapses that may have allowed the nightclub to operate without adhering to required safety norms.

Eyewitness Accounts and Allegations of Negligence

Survivors of the fire have alleged gross negligence on the part of the club management. Several eyewitnesses reported that there were no fire extinguishers on-site or that staff members failed to use them. Guests were left to fend for themselves as smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the premises. Narrow exits and overcrowding contributed to the high fatality rate, according to police reports.

One survivor, who witnessed the blaze from outside, described the chaos:
“People were running in panic, unable to find their friends or family. Staff were busy moving equipment instead of alerting guests. Had someone taken responsibility, at least half a dozen lives could have been saved.”

Government Measures and Future Safety Protocols

CM Sawant announced that a committee under the Secretary of Revenue would be established to conduct an audit of all establishments where large gatherings are likely, to ensure compliance with fire safety and operational norms. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been framed for nightclubs and other hospitality venues to prevent future tragedies.

The Goa government’s proactive measures include disciplinary action against responsible officials, a thorough inquiry into the procedural lapses, compensation for victims, and the formulation of robust safety protocols for all commercial establishments with large gatherings.

Conclusion

The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire remains one of the deadliest incidents in recent years in Goa, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and accountability at both administrative and operational levels. With arrests made and inquiries underway, the state government has vowed to ensure justice for the victims while implementing measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The incident has not only shocked Goa but also prompted a nationwide conversation on safety compliance in entertainment and hospitality sectors, reinforcing the urgency of strict monitoring and proactive governance.

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