A court in Goa on Tuesday delivered a split verdict in the bail pleas of three managers arrested in connection with the catastrophic fire at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub earlier this month. The court granted bail to two of the accused while rejecting the application of a third.
Court's Decision and Bail Conditions
District Judge D V Patkar allowed the bail applications of Rajveer Singhania, the bar manager, and Priyanshu Thakur, the gate manager. However, the court denied relief to another manager, Vivek Singh. All three were taken into custody on December 7, a day after the massive blaze erupted at the popular nightspot in Arpora village, North Goa.
Advocate Vinayak Parab, representing Singhania and Thakur, confirmed that the court imposed stringent conditions while granting bail. The accused have been expressly directed not to induce, threaten, or influence any person connected with the case, either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, they are barred from leaving India without obtaining prior written permission from the authorities.
The bail order mandates that the duo must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. They are required to remain available for questioning by the investigating officer whenever necessary. Additionally, they have been instructed to report to the investigating officer or the Anjuna police station once every month, preferably on the first Wednesday, until the filing of the chargesheet or final report.
The Tragic Fire and Ongoing Probe
The devastating fire broke out around midnight on December 6, claiming the lives of 25 individuals. The victims included 20 staff members and five tourists. The incident sent shockwaves across the state and the country, prompting a swift investigation into the causes and accountability for the tragedy.
So far, the investigation has led to the arrest of eight people in total. Among those arrested are the club's co-owners, Gaurav Luthra and his brother Saurabh, who were subsequently deported from Thailand to face proceedings in India. The court's decision on the managers' bail applications marks a significant development in the legal process following the arrests.
Path Forward for the Investigation
With the bail granted to two managers under strict conditions, the focus now intensifies on the continued probe by the investigating agencies. The conditions attached to the bail are designed to ensure that the judicial process is not obstructed while the accused are out of custody. The rejection of bail for the third manager indicates the court's differing assessment of his role or circumstances in the case.
The authorities are expected to proceed with gathering evidence, recording statements, and compiling the chargesheet. The nation's eyes remain on Goa as the investigation into one of its deadliest nightclub fires seeks to deliver justice for the victims and their families.
