Source NDTV
Panaji, Goa – In a swift response to the devastating fire at a North Goa nightclub that claimed 25 lives, the Goa government on Sunday suspended three senior officials for their alleged role in permitting the establishment to operate despite blatant safety and licensing violations.
The deadly blaze, which ripped through the popular ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora village shortly after midnight, resulted in the confirmed deaths of 25 individuals, including staff members and tourists.
Officials Under Scanner
The suspension order, announced late on Sunday by a senior government official, targets three key individuals responsible for granting the facility permissions in 2023. They are:
Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, the then Director of Panchayat.
Dr. Shamila Monteiro, the then Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
Raghuvir Bagkar, the then Secretary of Village Panchayat Arpora-Nagoa.
A high-ranking official stated that the suspensions were a direct result of these officials enabling the nightclub to commence operations despite documented non-compliance with essential safety and building norms.
Chief Minister Vows Strict Action
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who visited the site and ordered a full inquiry, promised stringent action against both the club management and any government officials found culpable.
“Any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” the Chief Minister stated, confirming that a government committee has been formed to investigate the tragedy and submit a report within a week.
Key developments in the ongoing probe:
Arrests Made: Four staff members of the nightclub, including the chief general manager and managers, have been arrested.
Owners Booked: An FIR has been registered against the club’s owners, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, and police teams have been dispatched to trace them.
Cause of Fire: While initial reports suggested a cylinder blast, CM Sawant later indicated that a preliminary inquiry points to the use of electrical firecrackers inside the club during a dance performance as the likely trigger for the blaze.
Victims Identified: Authorities confirmed that all 25 victims have been identified, which includes 20 staff members and five tourists.
Illegal Construction Allegations
The incident has sharply focused attention on the alleged illegal operation of the establishment. The local panchayat had reportedly issued a demolition notice to the club for unauthorized construction, but this notice was allegedly stayed by officials of the Directorate of Panchayats. Furthermore, a local BJP MLA claimed that the club’s licence was issued without proper documentation by the local village panchayat.
The immediate crackdown and suspensions underscore the administration’s attempt to address the serious lapse in oversight that contributed to one of Goa’s worst nightclub tragedies.
