Birch fire case: Goa Police seek time to reply to Khosla plea

MAPUSA

Police on Monday sought additional time to file their reply to an application moved by UK national Surinder Kumar Khosla, the owner of the land on which the popular nightclub Birch is located, in connection with the recent fire incident at the premises.

Khosla, who has been named as an accused in the case registered following the blaze, has challenged the proclamation order issued against him by the court. A proclamation order is typically issued when an accused person is declared absconding for failing to appear before investigating authorities or the court despite being served summons.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested time to place its response on record, stating that a detailed reply was being prepared. Counsel appearing for Khosla argued that the proclamation order was not legally tenable and sought its recall.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to March 2 for further proceedings and directed the police to file their reply by the next date of hearing.

The fire incident at the nightclub had triggered a criminal investigation, with authorities examining issues related to safety compliance, ownership responsibility, and possible negligence. Further developments in the case are expected once the court takes up the matter again.