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

UPDATED: Dec 7, 2025 17:27 IST

Police have registered an FIR against the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, its manager, and the event organisers after the massive fire that claimed 25 lives, a senior official confirmed on Sunday. The case has been filed against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who own the nightclub, while authorities have also detained the sarpanch of the Arpora–Nagoa panchayat for questioning.

The action follows the deadly blaze that broke out during a late-night event at the popular Baga establishment, prompting widespread outrage and demands for accountability.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, directing officials to investigate the circumstances that allowed the venue to function and to identify any lapses in safety compliance.

"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.

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