Goa Police Files Extensive Chargesheet in Deadly Nightclub Fire Case
In a significant development, Goa police have formally submitted a comprehensive 4,150-page chargesheet against 13 individuals implicated in the catastrophic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. The blaze, which erupted on December 6, 2025, resulted in the tragic deaths of 25 people, many of whom were tourists attending an event.
Details of the Chargesheet and Accused Parties
The chargesheet was filed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Mapusa on Thursday. According to Anjuna Police Inspector Suraj Gawas, the document follows a meticulous investigation that examined 305 different witnesses. The primary accused include the nightclub's owners: Gaurav Luthra, Saurabh Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, who are partners of Being G S Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP.
The charges allege gross negligence in safety protocols. The FIR, registered by Anjuna police, accuses the nightclub's partners, manager, event organizer, and other staff of failing to implement proper care and caution. Specifically, they are charged with not providing adequate fire safety equipment and organizing a fire show that led to the deadly inferno.
List of Accused and Legal Actions
In addition to the owners, the chargesheet names several other key individuals:
- Corporate General Manager Rajiv Modak
- General Manager Vivek Singh
- Operation Manager Bijay Kumar Singh
- Gate Manager Priyanshu Thakur
- Bar Manager Rajveer Singhania
- Former Arpora Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar
- Former Arpora Nagoa Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar
- K-Dance Events Pvt Ltd Director Mayur Kolwalkar
- K-Dance Events Pvt Ltd General Manager Mohammed Afif Abdulsab Bateri
- Property Owner Surinder Kumar Khosla
Notably, property owner Surinder Kumar Khosla is currently absconding. Police have issued a non-bailable warrant of arrest, followed by a proclamation and a blue corner notice to secure his presence for the investigation. Despite these efforts, he remains at large, complicating the legal proceedings.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The fire broke out at approximately 11:45 PM on December 6, 2025, during an event attended by over 150 tourists. Preliminary investigations by both the police and the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services concluded that the blaze originated when electric firecrackers, used as part of the fire show, struck the wooden ceiling of the nightclub. This ignited a rapid spread of flames, leading to the high casualty count.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over fire safety regulations in entertainment venues across Goa. Authorities emphasize that this chargesheet marks a critical step toward accountability, aiming to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future through stricter enforcement of safety standards.
