Case against Goa nightclub owners after 25 killed in huge fire; sarpanch detained

Key Highlights

• "Police registered an FIR against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane Nightclub, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita," a senior police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Police have additionally detained Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar, who had issued a trade licence for the premises in 2013, for further questioning. The blaze erupted at the nightclub shortly after midnight.
• The venue, a popular party spot in Arpora village about 25 km from the state capital Panaji, had opened only last year. According to police, the deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identities of the remaining seven victims were still being confirmed. Redkar said the nightclub was operated by Saurav Luthra, who had been embroiled in a dispute with his partner.“There was a dispute between them, and they had filed a complaint against each other with the panchayat.
• We had inspected the premises and found that they did not have the permission to construct the club,” he said. He claimed that although the panchayat had issued a demolition notice, the order was later stayed by officials of the Directorate of Panchayats. The situation turned tense at Anjuna police station after police detained Redkar in connection with the fire case.
• Several people gathered at the police station to protest his detention. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he is closely monitoring the aftermath of the nightclub tragedy, noting that all six injured are stable and under proper care. He ordered a magisterial probe to determine the cause and accountability.
• Preliminary findings suggest the fire began on the first floor, where congestion and narrow exits hindered escape.- EndsPublished By: Prateek ChakrabortyPublished On: Dec 7, 2025Watch Live TV.