PANAJI
The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the deadly fire at the Birch nightclub in Arpora was not an accident but a “murder of 25 people,” holding the BJP government responsible for the tragedy.
GPCC president Amit Patkar charged that the Pramod Sawant led government committed “murder” of the 25 innocent people by allowing the Birch nightclub to function without permission. He pointed out how despite several complaints the club was not demolished nor any action was taken.
He accused the government of providing political protection to the nightclub, which he said was operating without licences. “The Chief Minister himself admitted there were no licences. Then who allowed the club to function?” Patkar asked.
Linking the incident to a breakdown of law and order in Goa, Congress leaders said the Home Department being with the Chief Minister makes him directly responsible for rising crimes in the State.
Patkar further claimed that even BJP leaders had admitted to the collection of protection money from nightclubs, exposing deep-rooted corruption and administrative failure.
