Goa Nightclub Fire: FIR Filed Against Owner and GM; CM Pramod Sawant Says Arrests Imminent

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday announced a magisterial inquiry into the tragic fire at a nightclub in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives and left six others injured.

The blaze erupted shortly after midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party venue that opened last year in Arpora village, around 25 km from the state capital Panaji.

Speaking to PTI, CM Sawant said a first information report (FIR) has been lodged against the owner and general manager of the nightclub, who are expected to be arrested.

“I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and six have been injured,” Sawant wrote in a post on X. “All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident to identify the cause and fix responsibility.”

According to the Chief Minister, preliminary findings indicate that the fire started on the first floor of the club. Owing to congestion and narrow exit doors, many patrons were unable to escape. “Some of them rushed to the ground floor and got trapped there,” he said.

Sawant noted that this is the first incident of its kind in Goa, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and stringent action against those responsible.