Goa Nightclub Fire: Chargesheet Looms

Goa police are preparing to file a chargesheet next week concerning the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire. This incident, which occurred in Arpora in December 2025, resulted in the deaths of 25 people. The upcoming chargesheet is expected to name nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, as well as other individuals involved.

Authorities have already arrested 13 people in connection with the case, including the Luthra brothers and their partner Ajay Gupta. Former Arpora-Nagoa panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar and former sarpanch Roshan Redkar were also apprehended. Interpol has issued a blue corner notice for Surinder Kumar Khosla, the property owner and a UK national.

In the aftermath of the fire, three government officials were suspended, and Raghuvir Bagkar's services were terminated. The Goa State Pollution Control Board also suspended two of its staff members for inadequate inspection practices. A magisterial inquiry report has since provided 60 recommendations to prevent similar future incidents. The fire, which broke out on December 6, 2025, during an event attended by over 150 tourists, is believed to have been caused by electric firecrackers igniting the wooden ceiling. Separately, an FIR has been registered regarding alleged forgery of a health officer's no-objection certificate to secure an excise license for the nightclub.