PANAJI
In a swift development following the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora that claimed 25 lives on Saturday night, the Goa Police have arrested four members of the club’s management team.
Anjuna Police confirmed the arrest of the General Manager, Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager, and Gate Manager for alleged negligence and responsibility in connection with the incident. An arrest warrant has also been issued against the owner of the establishment.
Authorities have additionally detained Arpora Sarpanch Roshan Redkar for questioning as part of the ongoing probe. Police officials stated that more information is expected as the investigation progresses.
So far, five victims have been identified: Mohit Munda (18), Pradeep Mahto (22), and Binod Mahto (19) – residents of Jharkhand, Rahul Tanti – from Assam and Satish Singh Rana (26) – from Uttarakhand
Five survivors are undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC). They include Amit Kumar (35), Clinton Prasad (28), Rahul Rai (23), Atish Mehta (32), and Tanishqa Chaurasian (20). GMC authorities reported that the 20-year-old victim has suffered 29% burns, while the remaining four have sustained around 15% burn injuries.
North Goa SP Harishchandra Madkaikar stated that efforts are underway to complete victim identification and conduct post-mortem examinations. “We have registered an FIR against all those found responsible,” he added.
North District Collector Ankit Yadav, who inspected the situation at GMC, confirmed that the administration is gathering details of the victims’ families to ensure immediate compensation under the NDRF and SDRF provisions. He also said that the government will assist in transporting the bodies to the victims’ native states.
