Panaji : Authorities in Goa are intensifying their investigation into the catastrophic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub that killed 25 people on December 6, 2025, after a Delhi court granted co-owner Ajay Gupta a 36-hour transit remand. Gupta, who was detained in Delhi following a Look Out Circular issued by Goa Police, will now be escorted to Goa for further interrogation.
The blaze erupted during a crowded Saturday night event, sparked by a short circuit in an overloaded electrical system. The fire spread within minutes, fueled by flammable interior décor, a lack of sprinklers, and locked emergency exits that prevented dozens of young patrons—many aged between 18 and 25—from escaping.
Investigators revealed multiple safety violations, including the absence of a valid fire No-Objection Certificate, severe overcrowding (the venue’s 150-person capacity exceeded by more than 300 attendees), and the use of substandard materials that accelerated the inferno. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control; at least 15 others remain injured.
Two additional co-owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, have applied for anticipatory bail in Mumbai’s Rohini Court.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered statewide audits of all nightlife and entertainment venues, warning that “no leniency will be shown toward negligence or willful violations.” Families of the victims are demanding fair compensation, criminal accountability, and long-overdue reform in fire safety enforcement for hospitality businesses across India.
