Tragedy claims 25 lives — owner expresses grief, promises help amid FIR, LOC
The owner of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, Saurabh Luthra, has finally broken his silence following the tragic fire at the Arpora, Goa club that killed 25 people. In an Instagram-story message, he said he was “deeply shaken” by the loss of lives and expressed “profound grief”. The club’s management offered “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to victims’ families and the injured.
Meanwhile, police have filed an FIR against Luthra and his business partner, along with the club’s general manager and others. A Look-Out Circular (LOC) has also been issued against the owners, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate them.
🔥 What Happened: Fire, Safety Failures & Legal Fallout
- The fire broke out shortly after midnight on Sunday at the popular Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, located in Arpora, North Goa. The blaze resulted in 25 deaths and left several others injured.
- Early investigations point to indoor fireworks (“firecrackers”) as the likely cause of the blaze, rather than a gas-cylinder explosion as initially speculated.
- The club reportedly operated without fire-safety clearances and lacked a fire-department NOC, raising serious questions about regulatory compliance.
- Safety failures extended to the premises itself: narrow exits and entrances, restricted escape routes, flammable construction materials, and basement-level kitchen — factors that severely hampered evacuation and rescue operations.
- The tragedy has triggered a wider inquiry; a magisterial probe has been ordered by the state government to examine the extent of lapses, responsibility, and structural/legal irregularities
📌 Owner’s Statement: What Saurabh Luthra Said
In his first public response, Saurabh Luthra — described by local panchayat sources as the club operator — said he was “deeply shaken” and conveyed heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones. He affirmed that the management stands in “unwavering solidarity” with the bereaved and promised full cooperation in all investigations.
However, his statement did not address the allegations of regulatory violations, the Look-Out Circular issued against him, or directly respond to questions about the safety lapses pointed out by investigators.
🔎 Wider Significance: Why This Matters
The tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane underscores ongoing concerns about fire-safety and regulatory compliance at entertainment venues in Goa — a major tourist hub. Unchecked use of pyrotechnics indoors, flouting of safety norms, and inadequate oversight are recurring issues in such disasters.
The rapid FIR against the owners and managers, issuance of LOCs, and ordering of a magisterial probe signal serious intent from authorities to hold the guilty accountable. The outcome of this investigation could prompt stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations across nightlife spots in Goa and beyond.
For families of victims — many of whom were staff from different states or tourists — the owner’s assurance of support remains just words unless followed by timely compensation, justice, and systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.
