Goa nightclub fire: Birch by Romeo Lane manager, 3 staff held over blaze that killed 25; suffocation led to mass casualties

Four persons, including the chief general manager and three staff members, have been arrested in connection with the blaze at the nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane' in Arapora that claimed 25 lives. Chief Minister Sawant added that a probe panel has been formed to inquire into the tragedy, and they will submit a report within a week.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Sawant said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the tragedy. "A probe committee comprising the South Goa collector, the deputy director of fire and emergency services and the director of forensic laboratory has been formed. The panel will submit its report within a week," the chief minister said. He added that the committee will probe procedural lapses that resulted in the mishap.

The chief minister added that the chief secretary and state police chief have been directed to take strict action against officials who granted permissions for operating the club, and they will be suspended during the day.

According to Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar, the arrested include club's chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur. Chief Minister Sawant said an FIR has been registered against the club's owners, Saurav Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, and they will be arrested soon.

The chief minister said as per the preliminary probe, electric firecrackers were set off inside the club, and it started the blaze. As many as 25 people were killed after a major fire ripped through the nightclub at Arpora in North Goa on Saturday night. The deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members.

Sawant held a series of meetings with high-ranking officials and reviewed the situation following the tragic fire. "The government has worked out measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. The state authorities will also conduct an audit of clubs that operate without permissions and also the places where there is a possibility of people gathering in large numbers," the chief minister said.

He added that an advisory will be issued to all the nightclubs and other establishments in the hospitality sector, asking them to take adequate safety precautions.

The Goa government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the nearest kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. "Arrangements would be made to take the mortal remains of the deceased to their native places," he informed.