Goa nightclub fire: Police arrested fifth accused Bharat from Delhi; investigation continues

Goa government issues advisory on fire safety, crowd control

The Goa government on Monday issued an advisory in the wake of the nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, outlining mandatory safety measures for nightclubs, restaurants, bars, event venues and similar establishments. The state disaster management authority’s guidelines focus on fire preparedness, emergency protocols and stricter crowd-management norms.

"Under provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005, all such establishments are directed to ensure strict compliance with fire safety, electrical safety, emergency preparedness, and structural safety norms prescribed by the competent authorities," the advisory read, as cited by PTI.

Owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra fled to Phuket after tragedy, say police

Goa Police said that after registering the FIR in connection with the nightclub fire, a team was sent to Delhi to raid the residences of the accused, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. Finding them absent, a notice was pasted at their home, and a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against them on 7 December. The Bureau of Immigration in Mumbai confirmed that both had flown to Phuket at 5:30 am on the same day, indicating an intent to evade the investigation.

"Goa Police have taken further steps to coordinate with the Interpol Division of the CBI to apprehend both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra at the earliest," a senior police officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

The police are coordinating with the CBI’s Interpol Division to apprehend the brothers. Meanwhile, Bharat Kohli was arrested in Delhi and brought to Goa on transit remand for questioning. Post-mortems of all 25 victims have been completed, and the bodies handed over to their families.

Inquiry committee visits site of Goa club fire

A high-level inquiry committee on Monday visited the restaurant-cum-nightclub in Arpora, Goa, where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives.

The panel, comprising the district magistrate, South Goa SP, deputy director of fire and emergency services, and director of forensics, conducted an on-site inspection as part of the ongoing investigation. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, resulted in a high-casualty incident, prompting the Goa government to set up the committee, as cited by ANI.

Meanwhile, Goa Police have arrested a fifth individual in connection with the tragedy.

Club owners not at home as Goa Police team probing nightclub inferno visits their Delhi residence

A Goa Police team on Monday visited the Delhi residence of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, where a deadly fire killed 25 people on Saturday, as part of its investigation, an official said.

The Luthra brothers, key accused in the case, were not present at their Hudson Lane home when officers arrived, the official added.

Police questioned family members to trace the duo’s whereabouts, seeking information on their recent movements, potential hideouts, and anyone they may have contacted, according to sources, as cited by PTI.

Goa nightclub fire: Goa govt constitutes four-member panel to probe nightclub fire

The Goa government on Monday set up a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the massive fire that engulfed a nightclub, claiming 25 lives.

The inquiry committee comprises South Goa superintendent of police Tikam Singh Verma, director of forensic sciences Ashutosh Apte, and Rajendra Halarnkar, deputy director of fire and emergency services.

The panel will investigate the sequence of events leading to the fire, assess compliance with all statutory licenses, and identify any lapses, as cited by PTI.

Goa nightclub fire: Four from one Delhi family among victims

Among the 25 victims of the Goa nightclub fire were four members of the same family from Karawal Nagar in northeast Delhi, Vinod Kumar, his daughter-in-law Kamla Joshi, and sisters Anita Joshi and Saroj Joshi who had travelled to Goa for a holiday. Speaking to ANI, a relative, Shwinder Rawat, said the family is in deep shock and mourning. He described Vinod Kumar as kind and cheerful, adding that his elderly mother, who lives in an old-age home, is devastated by the loss.

Relatives also questioned the role of authorities in the incident. Another family member, Harish, termed it a “government failure” and alleged that the establishment had earlier been shut but was allowed to reopen. He said the bodies were expected to be brought back to Delhi around noon.

Eyewitnesses claimed the fire may have started after a spark hit the wooden roof following the use of a pyro gun during a dance performance. One eyewitness told ANI that within minutes the fire spread rapidly, trapping several people inside, particularly in the basement kitchen area which had limited exit access.

Another injured eyewitness said the incident occurred around midnight when the party was underway. He added that around 70–80 people were present and that there was only one exit through which most guests managed to escape, while some remained trapped inside.

Goa nightclub fire: Read full statement of Saurabh Luthra

'Deeply shaken': Saurabh Luthra issues first statement after Goa nightclub fire

The owner of Birch by Romeo Lane Saurabh Luthra has issued first statement after the tragic incident that claimed lives of 25 people. In his statement, the management expressed profound grief and said it was “deeply shaken” by the loss of lives.

“In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured,” the statement said. The management added that it would provide “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to the bereaved and affected individuals during this period of “immense anguish and adversity." Read full story

Goa nightclub fire: Police detains a man named Bhola in connection with absconding club owners

Goa nightclub fire: Police issues lookout notice against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra

Goa nightclub fire: Mortal remains of labourers killed brought to Ranchi airport

Goa nightclub fire: Four Nepali citizens among 25 dead

Officials confirmed on Monday that four Nepali citizens were among the 25 people who died in the deadly fire at a nightclub in Arpora, Goa on Saturday night.

Nepal’s ambassador to India, Shankar P Sharma, expressed grief over the tragedy, saying, “Deeply saddened by the Goa fire tragedy in which 25 people lost their lives yesterday, including four Nepali nationals. My heart goes out to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Goa nightclub fire: Police on Monday arrested fifth manager Bharat from Delhi

Goa nightclub fire: New video shows guests fleeing as blaze erupts during dance performance

Another disturbing video has surfaced from the Goa nightclub fire, capturing the exact moment flames broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora late Saturday night.

The footage shows fire spreading rapidly across the first-floor dance area during a belly-dance performance, triggering panic as guests rushed to escape. Read full story

Goa nightclub fire: 4 Arrested including 3 general managers remanded to 6-days police custody

In connection with the deadly fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora that claimed 25 lives, Anjuna police have arrested four people, three general managers and a bar manager.

All the accused were produced before a local court and have been remanded to six days of police custody. Those arrested include Rajiv Modak (49), chief general manager and a resident of RK Puram, New Delhi; Priyanshu Thakur (32), gate manager from Malviya Nagar, New Delhi; Rajveer Singhania (32), bar manager from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and Vivek Singh (27), general manager from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, according to Goa Police.

Goa Nightclub Fire: Advocate says authorities ignored November legal warning on illegal structures

Advocate Rohit De Sa has claimed that authorities were formally warned about illegal structures at the Arpora site weeks before the deadly nightclub fire.

“I had sent a legal notice and filed a detailed representation on November 4, 2025, alerting all relevant authorities about multiple illegal structures under Survey No. 158 and 150 of Arpora village. One of these is where the fire occurred,” De Sa said. He alleged that the structures were built on a salt pan, clearly marked in the regional plan, yet no action was taken. “Officials allowed commercial operations without occupancy certificates,” he said.

Watch: Police deployed outside Goa Nightclub where 25 people were killed in an blaze

Watch: Latest visuals from the Nightclub

Goa Nightclub Fire: What we know so far about Arpora blaze

At least 25 people, including five tourists, were killed after a massive fire ripped through popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora late on Saturday night, marking the deadliest fire tragedy in Goa’s history.

The blaze broke out around 11.45 pm when more than 150 people were attending a weekend event at the club. Six others were injured, five of whom remain under treatment at the Goa Medical College (GMC).

Preliminary investigations by the police and fire department point to electric firecrackers used during a performance as the trigger. Sparks from the crackers reportedly struck the club’s wooden ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said there was no blast and confirmed that the combustible wooden interiors worsened the situation.

As flames engulfed the main exit, several people rushed towards the basement through a narrow staircase in a desperate bid to escape. However, the basement reportedly had no ventilation, leading to suffocation. Officials said 23 people died in the basement alone, their bodies later found piled over one another. Two more charred bodies were recovered from the staircase. It took nearly two hours to retrieve all the bodies and shift them to hospitals.

Among the dead are four members of a family from Delhi, including three women, and one tourist from Karnataka. Except for the five tourists, most of the victims were club employees from states including Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and also Nepal. Postmortems have been conducted on 17 bodies so far, and five bodies have already been handed over to families for last rites.

An FIR has been registered against the club’s owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, and others for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Goa Police have arrested four staffers: chief general manager Rajiv Modak and gate manager Priyanshu Thakur, both from Delhi, and bar manager Rajveer Singhania and general manager Vivek Singh from Uttar Pradesh. CM Sawant confirmed that arrest warrants have been issued against the owners and a police team has been sent to Delhi to apprehend them.

In a parallel action, the state government has sealed another nightclub, Romeo Lane at Vagator, operated by the same owners, after authorities found inadequate fire safety measures during inspection.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Chief minister Sawant announced an additional Rs 5 lakh compensation for the next of kin of the victims and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

Investigations into possible safety violations, overcrowding and lapses in emergency preparedness at the club are ongoing.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: 'Island' club with narrow path leading to it made firefighting a challenge

Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at northern Goa's Arpora located approximately 16km from Panaji, was constructed on a salt pan with inadequate safety measures, highlighting significant infrastructure concerns following a Saturday night fire incident that claimed 25 lives.

The establishment, marketed as Goa's first island club, faces scrutiny over its safety protocols and building design.

The nightclub is positioned in the middle of a salt pan, surrounded by water, with its entrance 50m from the main gate.

Read full story

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: NCR family vacay ends in grief; woman loses husband, 3 sisters

Fifteen minutes. That's all it took for Bhavana Joshi to lose her husband and three sisters inside a nightclub that was supposed to crown a holiday in Goa with music and laughter for the family of five from Ghaziabad and Delhi.

Flames tore through the club moments after they had stepped into Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora late Saturday.

Read full story

The Birch by Romeo Lane had been dancing with danger for a long.

The inferno was the result of a critical failure in "fire prevention engineering, regulatory compliance, and life safety preparedness" by club owners.

The nightclub also lacked a construction licence.

Tragedy struck Goa's popular after-hours party scene just before midnight on Saturday, killing 25 people - five of them tourists - and injuring six inside a nightclub in Arpora that turned into a fireball within seconds of electric firecrackers hitting the wooden ceiling of the first floor as a belly-dancer performed.

The victims in the blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane, 16km from Panaji, included four of a family from UP's Ghaziabad. Of the injured, five are being treated at Goa Medical College and Hospital. Police said 150 guests were at the club for the weekend event.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Jharkhand CM orders statewide fire safety checks following Goa nightclub fire

In the wake of the deadly nightclub fire in North Goa that claimed 25 lives, the Jharkhand government ordered a safety audit of all bars, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals in the state. District authorities have been directed to submit a report within seven days.

Health and Disaster Management Minister Irfan Ansari stated, "This government, under the leadership of CM Hemant Soren, will not tolerate any negligence. If an incident like the Goa happens in Jharkhand, officials will be held accountable," as quoted by PTI.

He also stressed that all hotels and restaurants must maintain strict kitchen hygiene, carry out regular technical inspections of gas pipelines, stoves, and chimneys, and ensure that fire safety equipment and emergency exits are fully functional.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Uttarakhand CM takes cognisance, requests assistance for families of affected residents

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami contacted Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant after initial reports indicated that some residents of Uttarakhand might have been among the victims of the devastating nightclub fire in Arpora, North Goa, which claimed 25 lives.

According to an official statement from the Uttarakhand CM’s office, Dhami took “immediate cognisance” of the reports and spoke with Sawant to get a detailed assessment. He requested that the Goa government promptly reach out to any affected Uttarakhand families and ensure they receive full support, including identification, medical care, financial assistance, and completion of necessary formalities.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Three senior officials suspended over club clearance

Three senior Goa government officials, including the then Director of Panchayat, were suspended for their role in permitting the operations of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, a senior officer said.

A massive fire tore through the Arpora nightclub in the early hours of Sunday, claiming 25 lives, including 20 staff members and five tourists.

The suspended officials are Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, then Director of Panchayat; Dr. Shamila Monteiro, then Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board; and Raghuvir Bagkar, then Secretary of Village Panchayat Arpora-Nagoa. They are held responsible for granting permission to the nightclub to begin operations in 2023.

Police have also questioned Roshan Redkar, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, who had issued the trade licence for the club.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Full list of 25 victims released by authorities

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: FIR filed under multiple BNS sections; top officers camp at Anjuna police station

Goa Police said that an FIR has been registered at Anjuna Police Station under Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), 287 read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in connection with the nightclub fire tragedy. Senior police officials are stationed at Anjuna and are closely supervising the investigation.

Authorities confirmed that postmortem examinations have been completed for 17 victims. Five bodies have already been handed over to their families for the final rites, while the remaining are in the process of identification and documentation.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: All 25 victims identified; 20 of them staff members of 'Birch by Romeo Lane'

All 25 victims of the Goa nightclub fire have now been identified, authorities confirmed on Sunday night. Among them were 20 staff members working at the club and five tourists who were visiting the state.

Of the five tourists, four were from Delhi — including three members of the same family — while the fifth victim hailed from Karnataka, reported PTI.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: 3 Jharkhand youth seeking better lives among 25 victims

Three young men from Jharkhand, who had moved to Goa a year ago in search of better opportunities, were among the 25 people who died in the devastating fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in North Goa.

Vinod Mahato (19), Pradeep Mahato (24), and Mohit (24) had been working as cooks at the popular establishment when the blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday, reported PTI.

Rajiv Sahu, a cousin of Vinod, said he is now preparing to take the bodies of the three victims back home to Jharkhand. Relatives and friends from states including Assam, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand gathered outside the Goa Medical College morgue on Sunday, desperately waiting for updates.

Sahu, who works in Ponda, told reporters that Vinod, Pradeep, and Mohit had all come to Goa last year to work in the nightclub’s kitchen.

President Murmu offers condolences, prays for injured

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Arpora nightclub fire victims’ families begin bringing bodies home

Families of the victims of the Arpora nightclub fire began collecting the bodies from the GMC morgue on Sunday evening, following completion of identification and formalities. The relatives are taking the bodies to their hometowns to perform last rites and pay their final respects.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Who is Saurabh Luthra?

Police have registered an FIR against Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, along with the nightclub’s manager and event organisers.

According to Saurabh's LinkedIn, he is the chairman of Birch by Romeo Lane, Mama’s Buoi, Romeo Lane, and Being GS Pvt Ltd. He has been active in the food and beverage industry for several years and has expanded his brand Romeo Lane to multiple cities and countries. Read full story

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Goa CM says firecrackers triggered Arpora nightclub blaze

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the nightclub fire in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives, was triggered by fireworks set off inside the club. Earlier, police had suggested a cylinder blast as the cause.

"According to the preliminary inquiry, the fire broke out due to the bursting of some electrical firecrackers inside the club. Some people could come out, but others could not, due to which they lost their lives. A complete inquiry is being done, and a report will be recieved within a week. Suspensions will be issued to some people today itself. The concerned officers will be punished as well," Sawant told reporters. Read full story

Watch: Pramod Sawant orders suspension of officials found guilty

Goa DGP names four arrested in Arpora fire case; FIR registered against club owners

Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar on Sunday disclosed the identities of the four persons arrested so far in connection with the deadly fire at a nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora. He also confirmed that an FIR has been registered against the club owners.

“The arrested persons include Rajiv Modak, Chief General Manager; Vivek Singh, General Manager; Rajveer Singhania, Bar Manager; and Priyanshu Thakur, Gate Manager. FIR has been registered against the owners, Saurav Luthra and Gaurav Luthra,” the DGP said.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: 4 arrested so far, other club of Romeo Lane sealed, says Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Goa CM Pramod Sawant said: "At present, four people have been arrested... We have already sealed the other club of Romeo Lane. The government does not promote any illegal nightclub."

Goa CM Pramod Sawant says preliminary inquiry points to burst firecrackers

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said, “According to the preliminary inquiry, the fire broke out due to the bursting of some electrical fire crackers inside the club. Some people could come out, but others could not, due to which they lost their lives. A complete inquiry is being done, and a report will be received within a week. Suspensions will be issued to some people today itself... The concerned officers will be punished as well.”

Watch: Pramod Sawant says most victims died of suffocation

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Pramod Sawant forms inquiry committee, report to be submitted within a week

Briefing about the incident, CM Pramod Sawant said: "Goa government has formed a committee to inquire into nightclub fire tragedy, report to be submitted within a week."

Nightclub's chief general manager, 3 other staff members arrested: CM Sawant

Goa nightclub's chief general manager, three other staff members have been arrested in connection with blaze that killed 25, said CM Sawant.

Watch: Goa CM Pramod Sawant announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for deceased, Rs 50,000 for injured

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: CM Pramod Sawant orders committee to audit clubs and restaurants

Briefing about the massive fire, Goa CM Pramod Sawant said: "The committee shall be constituted under the chairmanship of the Secretary of Revenue for conducting the audit of such clubs, business establishments, etc., which are operating without valid permissions and wherein there is a likelihood of gathering of people in large numbers. An SOP has been framed by this committee for all such establishments to ensure such incidents shall not be repeated in future. The advisory issued by SDMA for all clubs, restaurants and other commercial establishments wherein the likelihood of significant footfall is there to ensure and operate with valid permissions and adequate safety provisions."

Watch: Goa CM Pramod Sawant orders magistral inquiry

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Health minister reviews condition of injured

Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane visited Goa Medical College to review the condition of those injured. He said, "As of now, 25 bodies have been brought to Goa Medical College. Seven post-mortems have been done. Twelve bodies have been identified, and five people are under treatment. We are giving the best possible treatment to the injured..." as quoted by ANI.

Watch: MLA Michael Lobo flags illegal club licence

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Forensic team leaves site after collecting evidence

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: ‘Most deaths due to suffocation, no immediate rescue,’ says survivor’s friend

"Most fatalities were caused by suffocation and no immediate action was taken to save them," said friend of a survivor who lost three family members in the incident, as quoted by PTI.

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Health minister Vishwajeet Rane reaches GMC Medical College

Goa Nightclub Fire Live Updates: Goa govt seals Vagator’s Romeo Lane over lapses in fire safety

The state government sealed the Romeo Lane nightclub in Vagator, owned by the same promoters as Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, after the mamlatdar found the venue lacked adequate fire safety measures.