A court in Goa has sent the owners of the infamous Curlies nightclub to police custody for five days in connection with a devastating fire that broke out at the popular beachside venue. The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Mapusa granted the police custody of brothers Bharat and Hitesh Luthra until June 29.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The fire erupted at the Curlies beach shack and restaurant, located in the Anjuna coastal area, on the afternoon of June 21, 2024. The blaze caused significant damage to the property, which is a well-known spot for tourists and party-goers. Following the incident, the Anjuna Police registered a case against the Luthra brothers and other unidentified individuals.
The charges are serious and multifaceted. The First Information Report (FIR) invokes sections of the Indian Penal Code related to negligent conduct with respect to fire (Section 285) and endangering the lives of others (Section 336). Additionally, the owners face allegations under the Goa Public Health Act, adding a regulatory dimension to the case.
Allegations of Illegal Construction and Negligence
Police investigations point towards potential lapses that may have contributed to the disaster. A primary allegation is that the nightclub was operating from an illegally constructed structure. Authorities suspect that safety protocols were severely compromised, creating a hazardous environment that ultimately led to the fire.
The police had initially detained the Luthra brothers for questioning. After gathering preliminary evidence, they presented the duo before the Mapusa court, seeking their remand for further interrogation. The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the complete sequence of events, understand the extent of regulatory violations, and determine the precise cause of the fire.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The court, after considering the arguments, found merit in the police's request. It ordered that Bharat and Hitesh Luthra be remanded in police custody for five days, starting from June 24. This period will allow investigators to delve deeper into the allegations of illegal construction and criminal negligence.
The case has sent shockwaves through Goa's bustling tourism and nightlife industry, raising urgent questions about safety standards and enforcement of building codes in commercial establishments, especially those in ecologically sensitive coastal zones. The police probe is now focused on establishing a clear chain of responsibility for the alleged violations that preceded the fire.
The next hearing in the matter is expected after the police custody period ends. The outcome of this investigation could set a significant precedent for how authorities handle safety violations in popular tourist destinations across the state.
