Nightclub fire: Court extends relief for Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch, secy

MAPUSA
The beleaguered Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar and panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar will continue to remain protected from arrest after the Sessions Court in Mapusa on Friday extended interim relief and fixed the hearing of their anticipatory bail pleas for Tuesday.
The court issued notices on the anticipatory bail applications filed by both officials, who are under scrutiny in connection with the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora last weekend. The tragedy claimed several lives and triggered a wide-ranging investigation into licensing and regulatory failures.
During the hearing, police sought additional time to file a detailed reply. The Sessions Court granted time until December 16 for the police to submit their response, following which arguments on the bail applications will be heard.
Redkar was detained and questioned by Anjuna Police on Sunday. He was released after nearly five hours, amid a crowd of residents who gathered outside the police station, alleging that his detention was unlawful and demanding his release.
Secretary Bagkar, who has already been placed under suspension, reportedly failed to respond to police notices calling him for inquiry. He later moved the court seeking pre-arrest bail.
Both officials remain key figures in the widening probe that aims to determine administrative lapses and responsibility leading up to the nightclub fire.
Meanwhile, police said they have recorded over 50 statements so far from individuals connected to the case “ including officials, staff members and survivors linked to the deadly fire at the Arpora nightclub.
In a related development, the police custody of accused Bharat Kohli has been extended by another six days to facilitate further investigation, including verification of statements and collection of additional evidence.