Goa: The tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa has left not only 25 families mourning but has deeply shaken the northeastern state of Assam, claiming the lives of three of its residents. Among the victims were Rahul Tanti and Manjit Mal, both belonging to tea garden communities in Cachar district, whose families now face unimaginable grief and uncertainty.

Rahul Tanti, a resident of Kathal Grant, had been working in Goa alongside his brothers in search of better opportunities. News of his death reached his family in the early hours of the morning, leaving them in shock. His father, Banul Tanti, recounted the moment he learned about the tragedy: “We cannot believe that he is no more. When the news came around 2:30 am, we thought he was injured, but later his brothers confirmed his death. We seek support from the government to bring the body back.”

The loss has been especially devastating for Rahul’s wife, Sukriti Tanti, who is now left to raise three young children alone, including a two-month-old infant. Speaking to HT, she said, “We were waiting for him to come home soon, but now only his body is coming. My world is shattered. I do not know how I will raise my children.” The family’s heartbreak underscores the human cost behind the headlines, reflecting the struggles of migrant workers who leave their homes for distant cities in search of livelihoods.

Manjit Mal, another victim from Silcoorie Grant, had moved to Goa to work as a cook at the nightclub. His family described him as the sole breadwinner, whose efforts had started to bring hope and stability to their lives. “He was supporting us by working hard in Goa, and our lives had started changing because of him,” a relative said. The sudden loss has plunged the family back into uncertainty, leaving them dependent on external aid for survival.

In a separate incident linked to the tragedy, Ishaq, a data analyst working at a private bank and residing in Ashwath Nagar on Thanisandra Main Road, also lost his life. According to family acquaintances, Ishaq and some friends initially managed to exit the nightclub after noticing the fire. Tragically, he reportedly returned to retrieve his mobile phone, and police suspect that he may have died in the ensuing stampede or from cardiac arrest. His body showed only minor burns, highlighting the chaos and panic that engulfed the venue in the early hours.

The fire, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, is believed to have been caused by a cylinder blast inside the nightclub. As news of the incident spread, panic-stricken families across India, particularly in Assam and Karnataka, waited anxiously for updates on their loved ones. The incident has prompted an urgent response from authorities, with the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, calling it a “very painful day” for the state and promising swift action against those responsible for the tragedy.

The catastrophe has also cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by migrant workers in urban India, many of whom leave their native states in search of better economic opportunities. They often take on demanding jobs in hospitality, construction, and other service sectors, sometimes facing unsafe working conditions. Families left behind carry the dual burden of economic dependency and emotional trauma in the wake of such tragedies.

Local authorities have been working to manage the aftermath, including the repatriation of bodies to families and providing support to the affected households. In Assam, community members have rallied together to help the grieving families, while state officials are coordinating with the Goa government to expedite the return of the deceased.

This incident has sparked wider conversations about fire safety regulations, emergency preparedness, and the responsibilities of club owners and authorities to ensure patron safety. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how lapses in safety measures can lead to large-scale human loss, particularly affecting the most vulnerable members of society.

For the families of Rahul Tanti, Manjit Mal, and Ishaq, the path forward remains uncertain and emotionally taxing. While government support and community assistance may provide some relief, the personal loss—especially for a young widow with three children—is irreplaceable. Sukriti Tanti’s poignant words resonate deeply: “My world is shattered. I do not know how I will raise my children.” Her struggle epitomizes the human cost behind every headline and the enduring need for safety, accountability, and support for migrant families across India.

As investigations continue and authorities work to bring those responsible to justice, the stories of these families serve as a powerful reminder of the human toll behind industrial and entertainment-sector tragedies. The fire has not only claimed lives but has left a legacy of grief, economic hardship, and urgent calls for reform in safety standards nationwide.