Goa nightclub managers arrested after 25 killed in fire
07 Dec 2025

The managers of a Goa nightclub have been arrested after a devastating fire claimed 25 lives, including four tourists. The incident took place around midnight on Sunday at Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora, North Goa.

Among the deceased are also 14 staff members. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment as authorities worked overnight to control the blaze.

CM Sawant orders inquiry, issues arrest warrants
Official response

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

Speaking to PTI, Sawant earlier said the police have registered an FIR against the owner and the general manager of the nightclub, and they would be arrested.

A preliminary inquiry indicated that the fire started on the first floor of the club, and due to congestion and small doors, customers could not escape.

"Some of them rushed to the ground floor and got trapped there," he said.

Eyewitness account
Eyewitness

According to an eyewitness, at least 100 people were on the dance floor.

In an attempt to escape, some of them fled downstairs to the kitchen, where they became trapped together with the staff.

Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, told PTI that the nightclub was jam-packed, as it was the weekend, and the club was hosting a 'Bollywood Banger Night.'

On top of it, there was "temporary construction made up of palm leaves which easily caught fire," she said.

Club's illegal operations and safety violations under scrutiny
Investigation underway

The nightclub was also reportedly operating illegally without proper permissions.

Goa AAP president Amit Palekar alleged government negligence, saying clubs operate without permission and extortion is ongoing.

"I have been saying for a year that extortion is ongoing... But the government did nothing," he said.

The club had multiple demolition orders issued against it in the past. It was run by one Saurabh Luthra, who was allegedly in a dispute with his partner

Fire safety audit planned for similar venues
Safety measures

"There was a dispute between them (partners) and they had filed a complaint against each other with the panchayat," Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar said.

Calangute MLA Michael Lobo announced that all nightclubs in the area would undergo a fire safety audit from Monday.

Notices will be issued to clubs lacking necessary permissions, with licenses of non-compliant establishments set for cancellation.