Goa govt sets up 4-member panel to probe nightclub fire
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Panaji: The Goa government on Monday set up a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the massive fire at a nightclub in Arpora village, which claimed 25 lives.
Officials said fireworks have emerged as the likely cause of the blaze at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, a popular party venue located about 25 km from Panaji. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night, killed 20 nightclub employees and five tourists.
The inquiry committee was constituted by Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Naik, with North Goa District Collector Ankit Yadav appointed as chairperson. Other members include South Goa Superintendent of Police Tikam Singh Verma, Director of Forensic Sciences Ashutosh Apte, and Rajendra Halarnkar, Deputy Director, Fire and Emergency Services.
The panel will examine the sequence of events leading to the fire, verify compliance with all statutory licences, identify lapses, and fix accountability on responsible agencies or departments. It will also recommend preventive and corrective measures, the order stated.
“The committee shall have the authority to call for records, documents, and summon concerned individuals,” the order added.
Meanwhile, police have arrested the nightclub’s chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur. The owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, are yet to be arrested.
With PTI inputs