Goa nightclub fire probe flags lapses by panchayat, pollution board and coastal authority

Goa nightclub fire

• Goa nightclub fire probe finds major regulatory failures and panchayat lapses
• Owners deported from Thailand, police custody extended till December 29
• Authorities issued approvals despite expired licence and eco-zone violations

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The probe into the December 6 Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people has revealed serious regulatory failures, with the local panchayat and multiple government departments coming under scrutiny for allowing the venue to operate despite clear violations.

The fire broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village, triggering widespread outrage and raising questions over fire safety norms and regulatory oversight at nightlife establishments across the state.

Nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were deported from Thailand and taken into custody in connection with the blaze. A Goa court on Friday extended their police custody till December 29. The two have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with other charges linked to safety violations and negligence.

What the probe found

A magisterial probe into the incident concluded that “primary culpability” lay with the local panchayat, which allowed the nightclub to continue operations even after its trade licence expired in March 2024.

CNN-News18, citied an official saying that while the panchayat issued a demolition order, it failed to seal the premises or halt operations during the period before the order was stayed. The probe noted that this window showed a clear lapse in enforcement.

The property, which has existed since 1996 and housed two restaurants, also raised questions over the issuance of no-objection certificates despite complaints that the structure was located in an eco-sensitive zone and lacked an occupancy certificate.

In total, at least seven approvals, including trade, excise and food safety licences, a clearance from the pollution control body and three no-objection certificates, were granted by the Arpora panchayat and government departments, enabling the club to operate.

The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority is also under the scanner. The authority had received two complaints alleging illegal construction and violations of Coastal Regulation Zone rules in a salt pan area but failed to act, allowing the nightclub to continue operations.