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Goa Nightclub Fire Probe Spurs Dismissals, Suspensions and Charges

The findings blame local collusion for keeping an illegally built, unlicensed club open.

Overview

  • The government released a magisterial inquiry that says Birch by Romeo Lane was constructed on a salt pan, ran after its trade licence lapsed on March 31, 2024, and used fireworks without proper precautions as the club lacked emergency exits.
  • The Directorate of Panchayats dismissed Arpora-Nagoa panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar and disqualified sarpanch Roshan Redkar for five years, citing persistent negligence tied to the 25 deaths.
  • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said show-cause notices were issued to officials across departments, with additional Goa State Pollution Control Board officers suspended and an inquiry ordered into Coastal Zone Management Plan alterations.
  • Police say eight people have been arrested, including co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra who were deported from Thailand; a Goa court sent the Luthra brothers to judicial custody until January 9, 2026.
  • The case is being investigated under multiple Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent conduct with fire, forgery and criminal conspiracy, as inquiries continue.