Goa Nightclub Fire Case: Two More State Officials Suspended

Panaji: The Goa government has suspended two more officers of the State Pollution Control Board in connection with the deadly fire at a nightclub in North Goa, as action continues against officials found responsible for lapses that led to the tragedy.

The suspensions follow the submission of a magisterial inquiry report into the fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in the Arpora area, where 25 people, including tourists and employees, lost their lives on the night of December 6. With the latest action, the total number of state government officials suspended so far has risen to five.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the two Pollution Control Board officers were suspended based on the findings of the inquiry report. He added that show-cause notices would be issued to several other officials from different departments, including Fire and Emergency Services and the Excise department, indicating that accountability would extend beyond a single agency.

Earlier, the government had suspended Sharmila Monteiro, who was then the Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, Siddhi Halarnkar, the then Director of Panchayats, and Raghuvir Bagkar, the then Secretary of the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, in connection with the case.

Sawant reiterated that those responsible for violations and illegalities at the nightclub would not be spared. Responding to questions on the reopening of clubs sealed after the tragedy, he said establishments would be allowed to resume operations only after fully complying with prescribed safety and regulatory guidelines. Inspections would be carried out before granting permission, and those failing to meet the norms would face permanent closure, he said.

Meanwhile, the police investigation into the incident is continuing. Goa Police have so far arrested eight persons, including three owners of the nightclub. Another owner, Surinder Khosla, is yet to be arrested. The Mapusa court on December 26 extended the police custody of owner-brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra.