Panaji, December 7, 2025 – The horrific fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, that claimed 25 lives on Saturday night, is now believed to have been triggered by electric fireworks set off inside the club. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday confirmed the arrests of four staff members and announced that action will be taken against the owners and government officials who allowed the club to operate while violating safety regulations.

Initial Findings and Arrests

According to preliminary investigations, electric firecrackers ignited the blaze during a late-night performance at the club, leading to a rapid spread of fire across the first-floor premises. The victims, including both tourists and staff, were mostly trapped due to the narrow exits and overcrowding inside the nightclub.

Chief Minister Sawant stated that the club’s owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, will soon be arrested following the filing of an FIR. In addition, four staff members were taken into custody:

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

The arrests signal the state government’s determination to hold both the management and personnel accountable for the tragedy.

Government Action and Oversight

The Chief Minister has also ordered a review of the role played by government officials who permitted the club to operate despite violating safety norms. State Chief Secretary Dr. V Candavelou and Director General of Police Alok Kumarhave been directed to identify and take strict punitive action against responsible officials. Those found guilty of negligence are expected to be suspended as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Furthermore, Sawant announced that a committee comprising the South Goa Collector, Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, and Director of Forensic Laboratory has been formed to conduct a detailed inquiry. This committee is tasked with submitting a report within a week, highlighting procedural lapses and recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In addition to punitive action, the government will conduct a comprehensive audit of nightclubs and other establishments that operate without proper permissions or have the potential to host large gatherings, ensuring stricter enforcement of safety regulations across the hospitality sector.

Relief Measures for Victims

The state government has declared an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for each injured person, to be disbursed from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Funds. Arrangements have also been made for transporting the mortal remains of the deceased to their respective hometowns.

Details of the Incident

The fire broke out at around 11:45 pm on Saturday, during a performance by dancers on the club’s first floor. Firefighters and police teams rushed to the site immediately. Initially, two bodies were found on the floor, but as rescue teams combed through the premises, 23 additional victims were discovered in the kitchen and other areas, most of whom had succumbed to suffocation.

Eyewitnesses reported chaos as patrons tried to escape, highlighting the lack of fire extinguishers, inadequate exit routes, and overcrowding. Survivors described panic as guests abandoned personal belongings and struggled to locate their friends and relatives.

Safety Concerns and Regulatory Violations

The tragic incident has brought renewed focus on safety norms in nightlife establishments. Survivors and officials alike have criticized the management for gross negligence, pointing out the absence of trained personnel to manage emergencies, ineffective alarms, and the failure to follow basic fire safety protocols.

Chief Minister Sawant emphasized that the government is committed to preventing such tragedies in the future. An advisory will be issued to all nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues, mandating adequate safety measures, fire drills, and compliance with licensing requirements.

Public and Political Reactions

The fire has sparked widespread grief and anger, with calls for stricter enforcement of regulations in commercial establishments that host large gatherings. Authorities have assured citizens that both criminal liability and administrative accountability will be pursued against those found responsible.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident and announced an additional ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 for injured individuals from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Conclusion

The Goa nightclub fire at Birch by Romeo Lane stands as a tragic reminder of the consequences of flouting safety norms and the dangers of overcrowding in commercial establishments. With 25 confirmed dead, including tourists and staff, the incident has sent shockwaves through the state and the nation.

While four staff members have been arrested and the owners are set to face legal action, investigations continue into the procedural lapses that allowed the club to operate unsafely. The government has promised strict measures, regulatory audits, and preventive advisories to ensure that such a calamity does not recur.

As the victims’ families mourn and survivors recover, Goa faces a critical moment to reassess safety protocols and enforce accountability, emphasizing the importance of rigorous fire safety standards in all public entertainment venues.