How a series of violations led to Goa nightclub fire

A lethal combination of illegal fireworks, a highly combustible thatched roof, and glaring safety breaches in alcohol storage may have led to the devastating fire that claimed 25 lives at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, Goa, on Saturday night, as reported by investigators and witnesses.

These revelations emerge as Delhi-based entrepreneurs Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-founders of the club, were apprehended in Thailand early Thursday, just five days after they escaped India a mere 90 minutes following the outbreak of the fire.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that a joint investigation team from the Goa Police and the CBI will soon head to Thailand to extradite the brothers to India to face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

What ignited fire at Goa nightclub

Authorities indicated that the fire was likely ignited by electrically detonated pyrotechnics used during a belly dancing act. As the fireworks ascended, they made contact with the ceiling constructed of bamboo, fibre, and straw-like materials, which ignited almost immediately.

Witnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, trapping numerous individuals inside the 300 sq m club.

“It began while a belly dance performance was taking place. The performers utilised some cold pyro sticks that shot upwards and struck the thatched roof. Sparks and smoke emerged, and within moments, the entire venue was engulfed in flames,” an eyewitness recounted.

Initially, police suspected a cylinder explosion, but later accounts and on-site inspections suggested that pyrotechnics were the probable cause.

Reasons for rapid intensification of fire

Investigators have indicated that a series of significant safety violations transformed what could have been a manageable incident into one of the most devastating nightclub disasters in Goa:

• An extremely flammable thatched roof that caught fire immediately
• The use of pyroguns, which are prohibited in enclosed areas
• Alcohol stacked inside, which exacerbated the fire
• Insufficient exits, with only a handful of operational doors for the approximately 200 patrons present
• Narrow access roads that forced fire trucks to park 400 meters away, hindering firefighting efforts
• Among the deceased, twenty were club staff members, while the remaining five were tourists.

Unlawful operations and disregarded warnings

Authorities have confirmed that the nightclub was operating without the necessary permits, adding another dimension of illegality.

Police in Anjuna have initiated an investigation into the involvement of village panchayat officials, including secretary Raghuvir Bagkar and sarpanch Roshan Redkar, who issued the 2023 trade license. Both officials sought anticipatory bail and were granted temporary protection on Thursday after failing to respond to multiple summons.

Chief Minister Sawant mentioned that one uncooperative official could face arrest if he continues to avoid questioning.

Flight to Phuket, detention in Thailand

Investigators report that as the fire ravaged the venue around 11:45 pm, the Luthra brothers booked flights to Thailand at 1:17 am, departed at 5:30 am, and arrived in Phuket when India issued a lookout notice approximately 24 h later.

Their attorney, Tanvir Ahmed Mir, stated that the brothers were confronting a "vengeful government" and had travelled to Thailand to establish a restaurant. Goa Police informed the court that the duo had no known business interests in Thailand.

Sawant confirmed that Thai authorities detained the brothers at India's request and they will be returned shortly.

Goa fire: Arrests made so far

Authorities have detained six individuals associated with the nightclub:

1. Rajiv Modak, chief general manager
2. Priyanshu Thakur, gate manager
3. Rajveer Singhania, bar manager
4. Vivek Singh, general manager
5. Bharat Singh Kohli, a resident of Delhi
6. Ajay Gupta, co-owner, taken into custody on Wednesday after being released from a hospital in Delhi

Gupta, who describes himself as a "sleeping partner," has been placed in police custody for seven days.

Government action against Goa establishments

Sawant stated that enforcement teams have started inspecting all high-traffic venues, resulting in the closure of at least three locations, including a nightclub in Vagator. Additional closures are anticipated based on reports of violations.

The government has also declared a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured.

A committee for investigation, consisting of senior officials from the fire services, forensic department, and the South Goa collector, has been tasked with submitting a report within a week.