Panaji: Saurabh Luthra, co-owner of Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, has finally spoken out following the catastrophic fire that claimed 25 lives at the Arpora nightclub. In a statement shared on Instagram, Luthra said the team was “deeply shaken” and committed to offering “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to the families of the deceased and the injured. He expressed “profound grief” over the tragedy and said the incident had left the entire establishment devastated.
The blaze, which erupted late on Saturday night, tore through the multi-level club in minutes. Preliminary accounts suggest the fire began during a belly-dance performance when cold pyro guns reportedly sent sparks onto the ceiling, which investigators say was lined with flammable bamboo and fibre materials. Within moments, smoke and flames engulfed the structure, sending guests and staff scrambling for exits.
As chaos intensified, many people were trapped on the lower levels, including the kitchen and storage areas, where dense smoke quickly accumulated. Among the dead were mostly staff members — around 20 — and five tourists.
4 of a Delhi family die on first trip to Goa
In one of the most heartbreaking episodes of the night, four members of a Delhi family on their first trip to Goa were among those who died. The sisters and a brother-in-law had stepped out to enjoy dinner at the club. When the fire broke out, one of the sisters became stuck, prompting the others to rush back in to save her. None of the three returned. Only one woman from the group managed to escape. Relatives later said the family had been excited about the holiday, and their elderly mother remains shielded from the full extent of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the investigation has widened. Goa Police have booked the Luthra brothers, club managers and event organisers for culpable homicide. Five managers, including the chief general manager and bar manager, have been arrested as inquiries focus on allegations of severe safety lapses — from the lack of fire-safety equipment to the absence of proper emergency exits. Officials also say the venue was operating without certain mandatory licences, and parts of the structure were raised despite earlier demolition notices.
A magisterial probe is underway to ascertain the sequence of events and regulatory failures that allowed the nightclub to operate under such conditions. The fire, one of Goa’s deadliest in recent years, has sparked renewed scrutiny of safety norms at entertainment venues across the state.
