Panaji: Goa authorities on Sunday ordered a magisterial probe into the catastrophic fire at a nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, a blaze that killed at least 25 people — including tourists and staff — and left the state’s nightlife industry under sharp scrutiny. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over the phone and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) which will be given to the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
CM Sawant confirmed the probe after visiting the charred structure, calling the tragedy “a very painful day for Goa” and vowing strict action against those responsible. Officials said the inquiry will examine how the club was operating despite licensing violations, why fire-safety norms were ignored,
and what triggered the fast-spreading blaze that trapped dozens inside.
Operating Without Licence, Ignoring Notices
Initial findings have already revealed glaring irregularities. The nightclub had no valid construction licence and had been issued demolition notices earlier, which were stayed on appeal — allowing it to continue operations even as authorities flagged concerns.
Investigators are now checking how permissions for events were granted despite the ongoing legal dispute and whether any local officers were negligent.
Deadly Seconds: How the Blaze Spread
The fire erupted shortly after midnight during a packed “Bollywood Banger Night” event. Officials suspect a cylinder blast triggered the inferno, with the palm-leaf décor and makeshift structures catching fire instantly.
The club, located near the Arpora river backwaters, had narrow access lanes. Fire engines had to be parked nearly 400 metres away, causing delays that likely contributed to the death toll. Most victims died of suffocation rather than burns.
Victims: Tourists, Staffers Among the Dead
Of the 25 confirmed fatalities, authorities said four were tourists while 14 were staff members working inside the kitchen and service areas