Last Updated:December 09, 2025, 10:46 IST

While some club-goers managed to flee, many, especially workers in the basement kitchen and storage areas, were trapped and suffocated as smoke filled the enclosed space

Saturday night, which was meant to be a night of revelry at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, turned into one of the deadliest nightclub tragedies the state has seen as fireworks inside the club triggered a massive blaze, engulfing the venue within minutes.

As flames spread rapidly across the dance floor and smoke filled every corner, panic broke out. While some club-goers managed to flee, many, especially workers in the basement kitchen and storage areas, were trapped and suffocated as smoke filled the enclosed space. By morning, 25 lives had been lost.

Within hours of the tragedy, attention shifted from rescue to accountability. Police registered an FIR naming the club’s owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, along with senior management and event organisers, citing serious violations, including lack of fire safety compliance, missing emergency exits, and the use of pyrotechnics in a closed space.

Here’s a timeline of the events since the inferno on December 6:

December 6, 2025

Around 11.45pm: According to the police, the fire started at the club near the dance floor on the first floor during a live performance.

Between 11.45-11.50pm: People inside the club spot flames after the performers use pyrotechnics/“pyro-guns”. Panic eruots and patrons start evacuating the club.

Around 11.55pm: The blaze spreads rapidly and the roof and interiors catch fire. Smoke starts filling the lower spaces, including the basement and kitchen. Many club-goers on the dance floor first flee; but staff and some patrons, including those in basement/kitchen, become trapped as exit routes prove inadequate.

December 7, 2025

12.02am: The police control room receives the first formal distress call reporting the fire.

12.10am: Fire department officials arrive and begin rescue efforts. However, narrow approach lanes make access difficult and the firemen are reportedly forced to park around 400 metres away. This delays rescue and containment.

Through the night, firefighters and emergency personnel battle the blaze; rescue operations continue while smoke and fire engulf much of the building.

By early morning, the fire is finally brought under control. Authorities confirm 25 people, mostly staff and some tourists, have died in the blaze.

December 7, 2025

Goa Police dispatches team to Delhi to raid the brothers’ residences but finds them locked. By the evening of December 7, Lookout Circulars (LOCs) were issued against both accused at the request of the Goa Police.

Immigration authorities later inform investigators that the Luthra brothers had boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket at 5.30am on December 7, barely hours after the fire broke out around midnight.

Goa Police have now sought assistance from the Interpol Division of the CBI to trace and detain the duo abroad.

Delhi resident Bharat Kohli, linked to the nightclub’s operations, has been detained and brought to Goa on transit remand for further questioning.

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