In the wake of the deadly fire incident at a nightclub in Arpora earlier this month, the Goa Police have launched a major crackdown on tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms.
At least two nightclubs have already been shut down, with the latest being Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa.
According to officials, an inspection by a state-appointed team found that the nightclub lacked a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The team also found that the club did not have structural stability.
“Additionally, the club had extended its construction beyond the permissible limits, due to which it was shut down,” an official said.
The move came two days after the authorities sealed another prominent nightclub, Goya Club, also in Vagator, for alleged violation of rules. According to local media reports, the owners and management will be allowed to present their explanation, but the club will remain closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate. A notice has been issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club.
The crackdown on nightclubs violating rules began after a massive fire ripped through ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ at Arpora on December 6, killing 25 people and injuring several others.
Police have arrested five managers and staff members of the club, while Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the club, have been detained in Thailand after they fled the country.