A major fire that erupted at a popular nightclub in Goa's South district has led to swift legal action, with police registering a formal case against the establishment's owners and event organisers. The incident, which caused significant damage but thankfully no casualties, has also resulted in the detention of the local village sarpanch over allegations of illegal construction.
FIR Registered Following the Blaze
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Colva police station under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The case has been registered against the owners of 'Curlies' nightclub, located at Gaura Vaddo in South Goa's Cavelossim area, as well as the organisers of an event that was being held there. The legal action comes after a fire broke out at the venue in the early hours of Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Firefighters from the Margao fire station rushed to the scene upon receiving the alert. They faced a challenging situation as the flames had already engulfed a significant portion of the structure. It took multiple fire tenders and several hours of effort to completely douse the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated on the ground floor of the two-storey beach shack and nightclub.
Sarpanch Detained Over Illegal Construction
In a related and significant development, authorities have detained Cavelossim village sarpanch, Savio D'Silva. His detention is directly linked to the investigation into the fire. Police are probing allegations that the nightclub structure involved in the fire was an illegal construction, built without the necessary permissions and in violation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms. The role of the local panchayat and its officials in allowing such a structure to operate is a key focus of the ongoing probe.
This move highlights the authorities' intent to not only address the immediate incident but also to scrutinise the deeper issues of regulatory compliance and illegal constructions that plague several coastal areas in Goa. The detention of an elected local official sends a strong message about the seriousness of the investigation.
Investigation Focuses on Safety and Permits
The police investigation is now progressing on multiple fronts. One primary line of inquiry is to determine the exact cause of the fire. Officials are examining whether it was an electrical short circuit, a mishap during the event, or due to some other factor. Forensic teams have been deployed to the site to collect evidence and piece together the sequence of events that led to the outbreak.
Simultaneously, a thorough check is being conducted on the nightclub's operational permits and safety clearances. Investigators are looking into whether the establishment had a valid license to operate, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department, and if it adhered to basic fire safety protocols like having functional extinguishers and clear exit routes. The event organisers are also under scrutiny for any lapses in safety management during the function.
The incident has reignited concerns about fire safety standards in Goa's bustling hospitality and nightlife sector, especially in temporary or semi-permanent structures like beach shacks. It has prompted calls from citizens and activists for stricter enforcement of building codes and safety regulations to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future.
