SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2026

Birch blaze: Over 50 statements recorded

PANAJI

More than 50 statements have been recorded so far in the investigation into the fatal fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, even as authorities await the deportation of club owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra from Thailand. Both were detained by Thai officials on Thursday and kept in Bangkok detention facility. CBI and Goa police officials are soon to travel to Thailand to get their custody. 

Goa police on Friday said officials, staff and victims have been examined as part of the ongoing probe. “Deportation procedures for the Luthra brothers are in progress, with continuous coordination with central agencies,” the update stated.

Police said recording of additional statements and collection of technical and forensic evidence will continue over the next few days. Among the 50 statements including the two suspended officers -- Shamila Monteiro (then Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board) and Siddhi Halarnkar (then director of panchayat).

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Calangute p’yat cracks whip, 17 clubs warned of closure

THE GOAN NETWORK
Published Dec 13, 2025, 12:20 AM IST
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MAPUSAWith the horrific Arpora nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives still casting a shadow over Goa’s nightlife sector, the Calangute panchayat has issued show-cause notices to 17 restaurants operating clandestine clubs, directing them to produce mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) within three days or face closure.The establishments “ popular spots such as Miami Restaurant, Café Mambo, Tito’s, Xtreme, Cape Town Café and several others “ have been asked to furnish…

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