Goa fire tragedy: 5 held, 3 officials suspended as warrants out for Delhi-based owners

New Delhi: Police have registered an FIR against the two owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, its manager, and the event organisers after a deadly fire tore through the venue on Saturday, killing at least 25 people, including five tourists. Most of the victims were club staff. Initial findings indicate that while three people died of severe burn injuries, the majority succumbed to suffocation. At least six people were injured, five of whom are currently undergoing treatment in hospital. The sarpanch of the Arpora–Nagoa panchayat has also been detained, a senior official said on Sunday.

In a related development, Goa Police have arrested a man from Delhi, identified as Bharat, from the Sabzi Mandi area. Bharat, who handled the daily operations of the nightclub, was named by the arrested managers during interrogation. The sarpanch of the Arpora–Nagoa panchayat has also been detained, a senior official said on Sunday.

Earlier, police arrested four officials — the Chief General Manager, General Manager, bar manager and gate manager. An FIR has also been registered against the club owners and event organisers. The investigation team has suspended three senior government officials for allowing the club to operate in 2023 despite safety violations. The owner of the nightclub has been identified as Saurabh Luthra, who owns a chain of restaurants and hotels in Delhi and internationally. 

The blaze erupted around 11:45 pm in the club’s basement and gradually spread to the first floor, where the bar and restaurant were located. Police initially concluded that the fire was triggered by a gas cylinder leak. However, the nature of the injuries indicates there may have been an additional or unknown cause. Goa Police also stated that they are verifying whether the club had complied with fire-safety norms and held a valid NOC.

A second theory suggests the fire may have been caused by a pyro sparkle gun — a handheld device used at events to create a cool-to-touch sparkler effect. Investigators suspect sparks from the device may have ignited flammable material on the ceiling, causing the blaze to spread rapidly.

The Delhi-based owner Saurabh Luthra has responded to the incident on a social media platform. In his story, he said that the management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch.

He added that In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity. The management further affirms that it shall extend every possible form of assistance, support, and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals as they navigate through this period of immense anguish and adversity.

The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Arrangements are also being made to send the bodies to the victims’ native places.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their condolences over the tragic incident.