Last Updated:December 09, 2025, 23:00 IST

According to the FIR, the nightclub staged a high-risk fire performance despite having no extinguishers, sprinklers, alarms, or smoke-extraction systems.

The probe into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub inferno has uncovered alarming safety violations, with the FIR confirming that the venue conducted a dangerous fire show without any firefighting equipment, fire audit, or emergency systems in place.

According to reports, the FIR named prime accused Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, who allegedly operated the Arpora club in blatant violation of safety norms. The brothers fled to Thailand hours after the blaze that killed 25 people.

According to the FIR, the nightclub staged a high-risk fire performance despite having no extinguishers, sprinklers, alarms, or smoke-extraction systems, reported India Today.

Investigators found that no fire audit had been conducted prior to opening, making the venue a severe fire hazard.

Goa Nightclub Fire: Top Updates

• Police Seek Passport Cancellation

With both accused on the run, Goa Police have written to the Regional Passport Office requesting immediate cancellation of the Luthra brothers’ passports. Teams across multiple states are attempting to trace their movements.

• Interpol Blue Corner Notice Issued

Goa DGP confirmed that Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice against the absconding duo within 48 hours, a process that usually takes a week or more. Officials attributed the speed to coordinated efforts between state police and central agencies.

• Crackdown on Illegal Structures

The Goa Tourism Department has demolished Romeo Lane, an illegal shack in Vagator linked to the Luthras. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a wider crackdown, directing authorities to raze all illegal constructions on salt pan land, including those linked to the nightclub.

• More Accused Under Watch: LOCs Issued

Look Out Circulars have been opened against co-owners Ajay Gupta of Gurugram and Surinder Kumar Khosla, a UK national, preventing them from leaving India.

Five key managers, Corporate GM Rajiv Modak, GM Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajveer Singhania, Gate Manager Priyanshu Thakur, and Delhi-based suspect Bharat Kohli, have been arrested or detained and remanded in police custody. Police are examining operational lapses and managerial negligence.

Forensic teams found that 19 of the 25 victims died from inhaling toxic gases, while two deaths involved burn injuries. Among the dead were 20 employees, four tourists from Delhi and one from Karnataka. Post-mortem formalities for four Nepalese nationals are still underway.

• Probe Extends to Former Officials

Police have summoned former Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar and ex-GPCB Member Secretary Shamila Monteiro. Documents related to Survey No. 150/0 have been seized from the local panchayat. Arpora-Nagao Sarpanch Roshan Redkar has also been questioned.

A Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee to conduct surprise inspections at nightclubs, bars, shacks, and event venues, checking fire compliance, electrical wiring, structural safety, and crowd management.

A High-Level SOP Committee, led by IAS officer Sandip Jacques, to overhaul licensing rules and propose stricter fire and structural safety standards across Goa’s nightlife and tourism sectors. The committee has been asked to submit a comprehensive report within a month.

With arrests mounting, illegal structures being razed, and international alerts issued, authorities say the investigation into the fatal nightclub fire is moving at “high speed” — even as the search for the Luthra brothers continues.

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