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Goa Fire Inquiry Finds Illegal Salt-Pan Nightclub, Officials Sacked

A government report tying the Arpora blaze to collusion and licensing failures prompted dismissals, suspensions and show-cause notices across departments.

Overview

  • The magisterial inquiry found Birch by Romeo Lane stood in the middle of a salt pan in violation of land revenue and coastal rules and ran after its trade licence expired on March 31, 2024.
  • Investigators cited fireworks used without proper care and missing fire safety gear and emergency exits as factors that triggered and worsened the December 6 blaze that killed 25 people.
  • The Directorate of Panchayats disqualified Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch Roshan Redkar for five years and dismissed then panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar; at least five state officials have been suspended, including GSPCB staff.
  • Police have arrested eight people, including co-owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra deported from Thailand, and the case is being pursued under multiple Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections such as culpable homicide and forgery.
  • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered show-cause notices to departments that cleared or monitored the venue, with further criminal and departmental action under consideration.