Goa Police Set to File Chargesheet in Tragic Nightclub Fire Incident
In a significant development, the Goa police are preparing to file a formal chargesheet next week in connection with the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. The tragic incident, which occurred on December 6, 2025, claimed the lives of twenty-five people and has led to a comprehensive investigation involving multiple arrests and official suspensions.
Key Accused and Legal Proceedings
The chargesheet is expected to name Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the nightclub, along with several other individuals. According to Anjuna police inspector Suraj Gawas, the filing is scheduled for the coming week. "We will file a chargesheet in the case next week," Inspector Gawas confirmed to the media.
In a related international move, Interpol has issued a blue corner notice against Surinder Kumar Khosla, the property owner and a UK national. This notice aims to locate and apprehend Khosla, highlighting the global reach of the investigation.
Arrests and Administrative Actions
To date, Goa police have arrested thirteen people in connection with the fire. The list of those detained includes:
- The Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav
- Their business partner, Ajay Gupta
- Former Arpora-Nagoa panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar
- Former sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa, Roshan Redkar
In the aftermath of the blaze, the government took swift administrative action. On December 7, 2025, three officials were suspended:
- Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, then director/additional director of panchayats
- Shamila Monteiro, then member secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board
- Raghuvir Bagkar, whose services were subsequently terminated
Additionally, the Goa State Pollution Control Board suspended two of its staff members—scientific assistant Chaitanya Salgaonkar and junior environmental engineer Vijay Harichandra Kansekar—for failing to conduct proper inspections at the nightclub.
Magisterial Inquiry and Recommendations
A magisterial inquiry into the incident produced a detailed report spanning 108 pages, supplemented by over 500 pages of annexures and witness statements. The report made sixty critical recommendations to the state government, focusing on necessary actions and preventive measures to avoid similar fire tragedies in the future. These recommendations are aimed at enhancing safety protocols and regulatory oversight.
Details of the Fire and Preliminary Findings
The fire erupted at approximately 11:45 PM on December 6, 2025, during an event attended by more than 150 tourists. Preliminary investigations by the police and the directorate of fire and emergency services indicated that the blaze started when electric firecrackers struck the wooden ceiling of the nightclub, igniting the structure.
Separate Case Involving Forgery
In a parallel development, Mapusa police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) related to alleged forgery. The FIR, filed at Mapusa police station, involves accusations that authorized personnel from Birch by Romeo Lane, operated by Being GS Hospitality LLP (where the Luthra brothers serve as directors), impersonated Dr. Roshan Nazareth, the health officer at Candolim primary health centre.
According to the complaint, prior to December 13, 2025, these individuals forged Dr. Nazareth's signature and made fraudulent entries in official registers to obtain a health No Objection Certificate (NOC), which was necessary for securing an excise licence. This case adds another layer of legal complexity to the ongoing investigations surrounding the nightclub's operations.
The upcoming chargesheet marks a pivotal step in seeking justice for the victims and holding accountable those responsible for one of Goa's most tragic fire incidents in recent history.
