A devastating fire at a popular beachside nightclub in Goa has prompted the state government to order a high-level investigation. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, resulted in the tragic loss of two lives and has raised serious questions about safety protocols.
Magisterial Inquiry Ordered to Uncover Lapses
North Goa District Magistrate Sneha Gitte has taken decisive action by ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The probe will be conducted by a specially appointed Additional Collector. This investigation aims to uncover the precise sequence of events that led to the fire and identify any lapses in safety measures or regulatory compliance at the establishment.
The fire erupted at the well-known Curlies nightclub, located at Anjuna beach, around 3:30 AM on Friday. The timing of the incident, during operational hours, has intensified scrutiny on emergency preparedness. Firefighters from the Anjuna and Mapusa fire stations rushed to the scene and battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control.
FIR Lodged Against Nightclub Owner and Manager
In a significant legal development, the Anjuna Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the fatal fire. The complaint has been filed against the owner of Curlies nightclub, Edwin Nunes, and the general manager, Shailesh Shetgaonkar.
The FIR invokes several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), which indicates the seriousness of the alleged negligence. Other charges relate to endangering life and causing hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others. This legal action underscores the authorities' focus on holding those responsible accountable.
Victims Identified, Community in Mourning
The fire claimed the lives of two individuals, identified as Vikas Bhagat (28) and Jayesh Bhagat (32). The loss has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider tourist circuit in Goa. The incident has cast a pall over Anjuna, a area famed for its vibrant nightlife and coastal charm.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire originated from a temporary structure or shack section attached to the main nightclub building. The rapid spread of the flames trapped the victims, highlighting potential issues with construction materials and escape routes. The exact cause, however, will be determined by the official forensic and magisterial investigations now underway.
The state administration has assured a thorough and transparent investigation. The findings of the magisterial probe are expected to lead to stricter enforcement of fire safety norms across commercial establishments, especially in high-traffic tourist zones. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent such catastrophes in the future.
