MAPUSA
Former Arpora–Nagoa sarpanch Roshan Redkar was on Wednesday sent to 14 days’ judicial custody by a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court after he completed nearly two weeks in police custody.
Redkar was produced before the court by Anjuna police, who are probing the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in which 25 people died. He was arrested for his alleged role in the case, which has raised questions about regulatory failures and accountability at the local level.
While being taken out of the court amid heavy media presence, the former sarpanch refused to comment on the case and said only, “God is great. I believe in God.”
The court’s order came a day after the Bombay High Court at Goa, while hearing a writ petition linked to the tragedy, considered attaching the properties of the nightclub owners and other accused, based on submissions made by the Advocate General.
The High Court noted that such a move could be considered to ensure compensation for the victims and their families.
As the criminal investigation continues, the tragedy has once again put the State’s coastal nightlife regulation under focus. Despite the seriousness of the Birch fire and ongoing court proceedings, several nightclubs along the coastal belt are still operating, leading to complaints from local residents about loud music and public nuisance.
Many of these establishments are operating under trade licences issued by local panchayats to run restaurants. However, authorities have admitted that some venues are allegedly running nightclub activities beyond what their licences allow.
In many cases, government departments have issued show-cause notices and even demolition orders, but enforcement on the ground has remained weak, with little visible impact on these establishments.
The continued operation of such venues, even after one of Goa’s deadliest nightclub fires, has increased public concern about the effectiveness of regulation and the gap between official action and enforcement.
