Goa Nightclub Fire: Owner Breaks Silence as Police Issue Lookout Notice for Luthra Brothers

25 people, including 20 staff members, died in one of Goa’s worst fire tragedies; authorities widen investigation as safety lapses emerge

More than 24 hours after a catastrophic blaze tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora, killing 25 people and injuring six others, the club’s owner Saurabh Luthra has issued his first public response. The victims include 20 staff members and five tourists who were trapped inside when the fire spread rapidly through the two-storey venue late Saturday night.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Luthra said the management was “deeply shaken” by the scale of the tragedy, describing it as a moment of “irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress.” He conveyed condolences to the families of those who died and said the club stood in “unwavering solidarity with the deceased and the injured.” Luthra added that the establishment would extend “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to all affected.

Police Launch Nationwide Alert for Owners

Even as the club’s management issued its first public remarks, the Goa Police intensified action, issuing a lookout circular (LOC) for Saurabh and his brother Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane. Both men reportedly left Goa soon after the incident, raising suspicion that they might attempt to leave the country. All airports, immigration checkpoints and police stations nationwide have been alerted.

Senior officials said the LOC was issued as a “precautionary measure” given the seriousness of the case and the possibility of the accused trying to flee abroad.

Videos Capture Start of Blaze During ‘Bollywood Banger Night’

According to the nightclub’s social media promotions, the venue was hosting a “Bollywood Banger Night” on the evening of the incident. Viral videos posted online show a dancer performing to the classic Sholay track “Mehbooba Mehbooba” moments before flames appear on the ceiling. Fireworks had reportedly been used inside the club as part of the performance, raising questions about compliance with safety rules.

Birch by Romeo Lane is located along the backwaters of the Arpora River and markets itself as an “island club.” However, its location is accessible only via narrow lanes, creating a major obstacle for rescue operations. When the fire broke out, fire engines were unable to reach the premises and had to be stationed nearly 400 metres away, delaying attempts to extinguish the blaze.

Chief Minister Flags Safety Lapses

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called the incident “unprecedented” for the state and highlighted possible safety violations. He said early findings suggest the fire began on the upper floor and quickly spread.

“Because the doors were very congested, some people managed to escape, but once the fire intensified, others could not get out,” he said. Sawant added that many victims who ran toward the lower ground floor died due to suffocation, pointing to inadequate ventilation systems.

Authorities are now probing whether the club had all required safety certifications, fire exits, and permissions for pyrotechnics or indoor fireworks.

Centre Announces Financial Assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, with ₹2 lakh to be provided to the next of kin of each victim and ₹50,000 each to the injured. The Prime Minister’s Office said the aid aims to offer immediate relief to affected families as the investigation continues.

A Tragedy That Raises National Questions

The Arpora fire has triggered a broader debate over safety norms at nightlife venues across India’s coastal tourism hubs. Experts say the tragedy underscores recurring gaps in fire preparedness, crowd management, and accountability in high-footfall entertainment spaces—especially those located in congested or difficult-to-access areas.

With the probe widening and the search for the Luthra brothers underway, authorities are expected to examine licensing procedures, structural compliance, and any potential criminal negligence.