Massive fire at Goa’s Arpora nightclub kills 25

Guwahati: A devastating fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora in North Goa, shortly after midnight on Sunday, leaving at least 25 people dead and six others injured.

Goa Police confirmed that the blaze erupted late Saturday night, though the exact cause is still unclear. Both the police and the fire department have launched a joint investigation, and officials said legal proceedings have already begun.

Doctors at Goa Medical College and Hospital reported that nine injured victims are currently undergoing treatment. Police said the fatalities include four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of seven other victims are yet to be verified.

The nightclub, located around 25 km from Panaji and known as a popular party destination since opening last year, reportedly failed to comply with mandatory fire-safety norms, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.

He expressed deep grief over the tragedy and warned of strict measures against those responsible.

“We will act against the club management and also against officials who permitted its operation despite safety violations,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that officials would carry out a comprehensive inquiry to identify lapses and enforce strong punitive action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences, noting that the State government is providing all possible assistance.

Meanwhile, questions are intensifying over how the nightclub continued to operate despite alleged illegalities.

Arpora village panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar revealed that the club occupied a building constructed without a valid licence.

He said the panchayat issued a demolition order after complaints surfaced, but an appeal put the directive on hold.

Under the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, individuals can challenge panchayat orders before the Directorate of Panchayats, where a deputy director acts as a quasi-judicial authority.

Redkar also said Saurabh Luthra, who runs the establishment, had been involved in disputes with landowners and business partners, which triggered multiple complaints before the tragedy.