Panaji, Goa : A catastrophic fire tore through the popular Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, shortly after midnight on December 7, 2025, killing 25 people—including tourists, young professionals, and local staff—and injuring over 40 others. The incident has emerged as one of Goa’s deadliest nightlife-related tragedies in recent years.
Locked Exits, Overcrowding Blamed for High Casualties
According to preliminary investigations, the blaze appears to have been triggered by an electrical short-circuit compounded by extreme overcrowding, with more than 500 people inside a venue legally permitted to host only 300. Emergency exits were reportedly locked, and the building lacked proper fire-safety installations, including sprinklers and adequate ventilation.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as thick smoke engulfed the multi-story structure, forcing many to break windows in a desperate attempt to escape. Several victims suffered severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation, while others were trapped in upper floors due to collapsed stairwells and blocked pathways.
Fire Safety Violations Under Spotlight
Fire officials said they reached the site within 20 minutes but faced hurdles due to flammable interiors and the club’s failure to comply with the Goa Fire Safety Regulations, 2017. Authorities later confirmed that the nightclub was operating without a valid fire NOC.
The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of unregulated nightlife venues in Goa, particularly during the peak tourist season.
Owners Flee Country Hours After Fire
Amid mounting outrage, nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra were identified as the primary accused. Investigators revealed that the duo fled to Phuket, Thailand, on an IndiGo flight from Mumbai at 5:30 AM—just hours after the fire.
Goa Police, tracking their movement through the Bureau of Immigration, are coordinating with central agencies to pursue extradition and initiate criminal proceedings.
Political Reaction and Government Action
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu criticized the state government for its “negligent oversight” of tourism establishments, calling for accountability and enforcement reforms.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a high-level inquiry, promising strict action against those responsible. He also declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each victim’s family.
Calls for National-Level Regulation
The incident has renewed nationwide demands for stricter fire-safety compliance at entertainment venues. Experts and activists have urged the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and central agencies to conduct regular audits and impose penalties on establishments violating environmental and safety standards.
