In a significant development in the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire case, the Anjuna police revealed on Friday that two key accused former panchayat officials have gone missing. Former Arpora-Nagoa panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar and former sarpanch Roshan Redkar are currently untraceable, complicating the investigation into the blaze that claimed 25 lives on December 6, 2025.
Police Find Locked Homes, Officials Vanish
Acting on leads and court orders, Anjuna police personnel visited the residential addresses of both Bagkar and Redkar on Friday. To their surprise, they found the homes locked with no sign of the former officials. Anjuna Police Inspector (PI) Suraj Gawas confirmed the development, stating, "Both Redkar and Bagkar are not traceable." This disappearance follows a series of rapid legal and administrative actions against the duo earlier in the week.
Dismissals and Bail Plea Rejection Precede Disappearance
The vanishing act comes on the heels of severe consequences for both individuals. On Wednesday, the state government took strict action by dismissing Raghuvir Bagkar from service due to "grave misconduct." Simultaneously, Roshan Redkar was not only removed from his post as sarpanch but also disqualified over alleged illegalities and discrepancies linked directly to the nightclub operation.
Adding to their legal woes, a Mapusa court on Tuesday rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by Bagkar and Redkar. The police had strongly opposed their bail pleas, presenting a damning argument. In their submission, Anjuna police asserted that the panchayat secretary played a "prime role" in making the "illegal structure operational, which directly resulted in mass casualties." This statement underscores the serious allegations of negligence and procedural violations that may have contributed to the scale of the disaster.
Case Background and Ongoing Investigation
The case stems from the catastrophic fire that engulfed the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa's coastal belt. The incident, which occurred on December 6, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, most of whom were staff members. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the state and nation, prompting immediate demands for accountability regarding safety norms and building regulations.
The police investigation has been focusing on potential lapses in licensing, safety code violations, and the alleged illegal construction or operation of the venue. The spotlight on the former panchayat officials indicates that the probe is examining administrative approvals and oversight at the local governance level. Their current untraceable status is now a major hurdle for the authorities seeking to question and potentially arrest them for their alleged roles in the case.
The Anjuna police are expected to intensify their search and may consider further legal steps, such as issuing lookout notices, to locate Bagkar and Redkar. The case continues to highlight critical issues of public safety, administrative accountability, and the enforcement of building and fire safety codes in commercial establishments.
