In a significant development, the families of the victims who perished in the devastating Birch by Romeo Lane fire tragedy met with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday. Led by their legal counsel, Advocate Vishnu Joshi, the delegation put forth a series of demands aimed at ensuring a speedy and just legal process.
Key Demands Presented to the Chief Minister
The grieving families, representing the 25 households shattered by the incident, sought a fast-track trial and the most stringent punishment for the accused. Their specific requests included the separation of the accused brothers in custody to prevent any collusion, the formation of a dedicated special public prosecution (SPP) team to handle all related legal matters robustly, and the provision of accommodation for families travelling to Goa for court hearings to alleviate their hardship.
Swift Directives from the Chief Minister
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant responded promptly to the appeals. Advocate Vishnu Joshi, in a statement after the meeting, confirmed that the CM directed jail authorities to ensure the accused brothers are lodged in separate facilities. This move, Joshi stated, is to make them understand the gravity of the separation they have inflicted upon the victims' families.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister instructed the Directorate of Prosecution (DoP) to immediately begin the process of appointing a dedicated SPP team. This team will be tasked with handling all legal aspects of the case, ensuring a strong prosecution and full cooperation with the victims' lawyer.
CM's Personal Assurance and National Deterrent
Joshi highlighted that the Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to addressing any matter within the state government's purview with "utmost priority." Sawant pledged to personally monitor the case, emphasizing that the outcome should serve as a national deterrent against the blatant violation of safety norms for profit.
"The loved ones will never return, but the chief minister’s swift action today restores victims’ faith in the rule of law," Joshi stated, summarizing the sentiment after the crucial meeting.
Current Legal Status of the Case
On the legal front, the regular bail applications of the main accused, the Luthra brothers, have been adjourned to January 13 for further arguments. Notably, the victims' families have filed intervention applications in these bail pleas to oppose their release.
Separately, the anticipatory bail applications of the former sarpanch and secretary of the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat are scheduled to be heard by the high court on Friday. They approached the higher court after their anticipatory bail was denied by the lower court.
