Arpora, Goa: Police in Goa have launched an international search for the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub after a deadly fire claimed 25 lives late Saturday, exposing serious failures in fire safety compliance and regulatory oversight.
Most of the victims were staff members working the late-night event, while five others included tourists from Delhi, Karnataka and Nepal. Six people are being treated for injuries.
Investigators believe the blaze began shortly after midnight, with early findings pointing to either an exploding gas cylinder or firecrackers set off during the event. The flames spread rapidly in the club’s lake-side structure, which reportedly had only one narrow exit. Many victims were trapped before emergency responders arrived.
A technical incident report by the Goa Fire Department has concluded that although the response time was prompt, the venue lacked essential fire safety systems, and hazardous activities carried out without approval significantly worsened the tragedy. The report cited “critical failures in fire prevention engineering, regulatory compliance and life safety preparedness.”
Police said the club was operating without a fire safety certificate and did not have valid permissions from authorities. The Arpora-Nagoa panchayat had earlier issued a demolition notice over alleged violations in construction, but legal appeals stalled action.
Hours after the blaze, owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra — Delhi-based businessmen — left India on a flight from New Delhi to Phuket. Deputy Superintendent of Police Nilesh Rane said the speed of their departure “shows their intent to avoid police investigation.” A look-out notice has been circulated, and Goa Police have initiated coordination with Interpol through the Bureau of Immigration.
One employee, identified as Bharat Kohli, was detained in Delhi and brought to Goa for questioning as part of the ongoing probe into criminal negligence and illegal operations.
Meanwhile, authorities intensified action against the Romeo Lane hospitality brand, sealing two other affiliated establishments in Vagator and Assagao.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed a comprehensive safety audit of coastal entertainment venues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia assistance package for the families of those who died.
The incident has sparked concerns about regulatory enforcement in tourist hubs, where commercial structures often expand faster than local infrastructure and safety systems. Residents have long flagged risks posed by overcrowded venues and fireworks-based entertainment in confined spaces.
As the state observes a period of mourning, questions remain over how an illegally operated establishment continued to function despite multiple complaints and official scrutiny. Investigators say accountability will be fixed not only on the owners but also on lapses across supervisory agencies.
With the search for the prime accused now extending beyond India’s borders, the case has become a test of Goa’s ability to enforce safety standards in its booming nightlife industry — before yet another preventable tragedy unfolds.
