Arpora sarpanch, panchayat secretary’s anticipatory bail hearing adjourned to December 23
MAPUSA
A Mapusa court on Tuesday declined to grant interim relief to three staff members of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub that was gutted in a devastating fire in Arpora earlier this month, claiming 25 lives.
The District and Additional Sessions Court refused interim bail to Priyanshu Thakur (32), the gate in-charge, Rajveer Singhania (32), the bar attendant, and Vivek Singh (27), the general manager of the nightclub.
The three had sought temporary release from arrest pending a decision on their regular bail pleas.
The court, however, said it would hear the main bail applications on December 18 and directed that the matter be taken up on that date.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned the anticipatory bail applications of Arpora–Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar and panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar to December 23.
Both continue to enjoy protection from arrest after the court earlier granted them interim relief in the case.
Redkar and Bagkar are under scrutiny for their alleged role in the events leading to the fatal fire at the nightclub on December 6.
The prosecution has raised questions over permissions and oversight relating to the operation of the establishment. Following the incident, Bagkar was placed under suspension by the government pending an inquiry.
Sarpanch Redkar has already deposed before the magisterial inquiry committee constituted by the State government in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
The magisterial inquiry committee, which was initially given eight days to complete its probe and submit its report, has now been granted an extension of one more week, officials said.
