Panaji, December 7, 2025 — In the aftermath of the devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora, which claimed the lives of 25 people and left six others injured, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The announcement came as the state government swung into action to ensure proper assistance to victims’ families, investigate procedural lapses, and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Tragic Incident

The fire broke out post-midnight on Sunday at the popular nightclub in Arpora while nearly 100 tourists and staff were present on the first-floor dance area. Reports indicate that the blaze may have been triggered by firecrackers set off during a dance performance, although an initial technical fault in the electrical system may have contributed. Smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the premises, resulting in panic and a stampede-like situation. Many victims were trapped on the ground floor, leading to a high number of fatalities.

Among the deceased, four were tourists while the majority, 14, were staff members, including cooks and other service personnel. Survivors recounted harrowing moments as they tried to escape the fire. Kazakh dancer Kristina, who was performing at the time, described the chaos as “shocking” and recalled how swift action by a crew member saved her life. Eyewitnesses reported that flames erupted suddenly from the ceiling, causing panic and leaving attendees scrambling to find the exits.

Immediate Government Response

Following the incident, CM Sawant convened a high-level meeting with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to discuss immediate measures for the victims and initiate a formal inquiry. A dedicated team was formed to transport the bodies of the deceased to their respective homes, ensuring the families received assistance and guidance during this difficult time.

Sawant emphasized that disciplinary action would be taken against those responsible, including the nightclub owners, managers, and officials who issued permissions for the establishment. The state government has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary of Revenue to audit clubs, restaurants, and other commercial establishments, ensuring that only businesses operating with valid permissions and proper safety measures remain functional.

Ex-Gratia Announcements and Relief Measures

To provide immediate relief to affected families, the Chief Minister announced that ₹5 lakh will be given to each deceased’s next of kin through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additionally, ₹50,000 will be provided to the injured. This is in addition to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

A structured Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been framed to prevent such tragedies in the future. The SOP outlines guidelines for clubs and restaurants with significant footfall, emphasizing valid licenses, adherence to safety protocols, and emergency preparedness. CM Sawant underlined that the advisory issued by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will ensure all such establishments operate safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents during events or performances.

Investigations and Magisterial Inquiry

The Goa government has also ordered a Magisterial inquiry into the incident, with instructions that the report be submitted within a week. The committee comprises senior officials from the police, fire and emergency services, forensics, and revenue departments. The inquiry will focus on procedural lapses that contributed to the fire, including licensing irregularities, safety compliance, and emergency response readiness.

The manager of the nightclub and three staff members have already been arrested, while owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra have been named in an FIR. The panchayat sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa, Roshan Redkar, was also detained in connection with the licensing of the premises in 2013. Authorities emphasized that strict punitive measures would be taken against all individuals found negligent in ensuring safety standards.

Eyewitness Accounts and Survivor Experiences

Survivors described a scene of sheer panic and disarray. Many left behind personal belongings, including phones and shoes, as they scrambled to escape. A victim identified as Riya told PTI that the firecrackers set off during the dance performance likely triggered the blaze, resulting in smoke filling the venue within moments.

Kristina, the Kazakh dancer, recounted how she was stopped from entering the green room, which had already been engulfed by fire, an action that likely saved her life. She described her escape from the stage and the nightclub as chaotic, with performers and staff guiding each other toward safety amidst thick smoke.

Fire officials have confirmed that most deaths occurred due to suffocation, as victims were trapped and unable to reach exits. Emergency services worked through the night, with fire engines, medical teams, and police personnel ensuring the blaze was controlled and victims were transported to hospitals.

Community and Family Response

The tragedy has deeply affected the local and migrant communities in Goa. Families of the deceased have traveled from various states, including Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Assam, to identify and claim the bodies. Relatives of the three young cooks from Jharkhand—Vinod Mahato, Pradeep Mahato, and Mohit—who lost their lives while working at the nightclub, are preparing to transport the mortal remains back home.

Local authorities have pledged to assist families in transporting the deceased to their native places. CM Sawant confirmed that a team comprising SDM, police, and health authorities has been constituted to coordinate these efforts. The government’s swift action has been aimed at providing emotional and logistical support to the families during the aftermath of the disaster.

Government Measures to Prevent Future Mishaps

The SOP issued by the committee aims to deter future mishaps by establishing mandatory safety audits, fire compliance checks, and operational permissions for commercial establishments with significant gatherings. The SOP also requires establishments to maintain clear evacuation protocols and emergency response systems.

CM Sawant highlighted that the government would continue monitoring clubs, restaurants, and similar venues across the state to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations. The incident has prompted a re-evaluation of safety norms in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, emphasizing that public safety must be paramount.

National Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragedy and announced financial support through the PMNRF, demonstrating the central government’s concern and solidarity with the victims’ families. The combined ex-gratia from both the state and central government ensures that families receive immediate financial assistance to cope with the loss.

The tragedy in Arpora has prompted urgent discussions about fire safety standards, licensing compliance, and emergency response readiness across India’s entertainment and nightlife sectors. It serves as a somber reminder of the need for stringent regulatory oversight and preparedness for large-scale gatherings.

Conclusion

The deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa has left a lasting impact on families, employees, and the community. With 25 lives lost and multiple injuries, the tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols, proper licensing, and emergency preparedness in commercial establishments.

CM Pramod Sawant’s decisive actions—announcing ex-gratia payments, initiating a Magisterial inquiry, forming a dedicated team for transportation of the deceased, and framing SOPs—demonstrate a comprehensive governmental response aimed at both immediate relief and long-term preventive measures.

As investigations continue, authorities are determined to hold responsible parties accountable while working to restore public confidence in safety standards across Goa. The combined efforts of state and central governments, along with regulatory bodies, are expected to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated, providing both solace and security to residents and visitors alike.