MAPUSA
A Mapusa court on Thursday remanded five staff members of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub – accused in connection with the deadly fire tragedy – to 14 days of judicial custody after their police remand ended.
Those sent to judicial custody by the JMFC court include Bharat Kohli, who oversaw the club’s day-to-day operations on behalf of the owners; Priyanshu Thakur, the gate in-charge; Rajveer Singhania, a bar attendant; Vivek Singh, the general manager; and Rajiv Modak, the chief general manager. All the accused were produced before the court following the completion of their police custody.
Meanwhile, Ajay Gupta, co-owner of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, was remanded to four days of police custody. After considering Gupta’s medical reports, the court directed that he be provided with a mattress while in custody.
The Luthra brothers, who were brought to Goa on Wednesday in connection with the case, were remanded to five days of police custody and are currently lodged at the Anjuna police lock-up.
The tragic incident occurred on December 6, when the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub was reduced to ashes in a devastating inferno that claimed 25 lives and left six others injured.
The fire has triggered a series of actions by the state government, including the suspension of three government officials and the launch of multiple inquiries. Authorities have also initiated action against nightclubs operating along the coastal belt, with six establishments sealed so far for non-compliance with mandatory permissions, including fire safety clearances.
In addition, the government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident as investigations continue.
