Search and forensic teams continue to comb through the charred remains of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub as Goa reels from one of its deadliest nightlife disasters in years. A deadly fire killed 25 people on late Saturday night and police have now registered an FIR against the owners of the property, its manager and the organisers of a late-night event. The deceased include tourists and staff. The sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat has been detained as investigators probe alleged violations that may have led to the tragedy.
Authorities confirmed that among the deceased were four tourists and 14 employees of the club. Efforts are underway to identify the remaining seven victims, news agency PTI reported.
The FIR names the club’s owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, police said. According to officials, serious lapses in fire safety protocols and questions over the legality of the building structure have now become the focus of the investigation.
Who is Saurabh Luthra?
Local panchayat authorities identified restaurateur Saurabh Luthra as the key owner of the establishment. His LinkedIn profile lists him as chairman of the Romeo Lane, Birch and Mama’s Buoi hospitality chains, which operate across major Indian cities and overseas.
The Romeo Lane website describes him as a gold-medallist engineer who transitioned into hospitality and went on to win several industry awards. As per the website, Luthra also won the Times Hospitality Icons 2023 recognition as an “iconic restaurateur”.
Police said the accused owners have not yet made a public statement and efforts to trace and arrest them are ongoing.
Nightclub in eco-sensitive zone?
Preliminary findings show that the nightclub was reportedly operating in an eco-sensitive zone. The structure stood on what was once a saltpan area that falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), where construction in intertidal regions is prohibited.
Its isolated riverside location, combined with narrow access roads, hindered the firefighting response. Fire tenders had to halt nearly 400 metres from the site due to limited road width.