Goa Police Track Down Manager in Delhi
In a breakthrough, the Goa Police have arrested Bharat, the manager of the nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, in connection with the horrific fire incident that claimed 25 lives. Bharat was detained in the Sabzi Mandi area of Delhi’s North District late Sunday night, with assistance from the Delhi Police Crime Branch.
The arrested manager also runs another outlet, Romeo Lane, located in Delhi’s Civil Lines area. Authorities believe he played a key role in the operational decisions that led to Saturday night’s disaster.
Owner Still on the Run
While the manager has been apprehended, the nightclub owner, Saurabh Luthra, remains at large. According to police, he fled Goa soon after the tragedy and returned to Delhi. Multiple teams are currently searching for him, and a lookout notice has been issued to prevent his escape abroad.
Police sources state that the owner and management may have ignored multiple safety norms, leading to a rapid-fire spread and mass casualties.
How the Goa Nightclub Fire Happened
The fire occurred just after midnight at 12:04 a.m., right before a scheduled Bollywood Banger Night event at the club. The venue, located in Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, had nearly 100 people inside, with more guests still entering as the party hours were just beginning.
The nightclub reportedly opens at 1 a.m., making it one of Goa’s late-night hotspots. But within minutes, flames engulfed a section of the building, trapping many inside as chaos broke out. Six people have been seriously injured and are receiving treatment in hospitals.
Eyewitnesses claim the fire spread rapidly due to flammable décor and poor ventilation. Loud music drowned out early warning signs, and guests struggled to find exits in the dark.
Largest Nightlife Disaster in Recent Times
This devastating incident has shaken Goa’s tourism-driven nightlife scene. Authorities are investigating whether the club had:
- A valid fire safety certificate
- Functional emergency exits
- Adequate firefighting equipment
- Structural approval for its interiors
Initial findings suggest that the establishment may have violated fire safety rules, leading to preventable deaths.
Government Response and Next Steps
The Goa Chief Minister has promised strict action, stating that those responsible will not be spared. Police are preparing to file charges related to culpable homicide and negligence.
Meanwhile, families of victims demand accountability and immediate closure of unsafe nightclubs across the region. Get more updates by following FM News.
