Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte demanded clear accountability in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire as the Luthra brothers fled to Thailand and a co-owner was arrested in Delhi.
North Goa: The charred interior of Romeo Lane restaurant and nightclub after a fire, triggered by a cylinder blast, destroyed everything inside at Arpora in North Goa district. (Photo: IANS)
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday called the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora a “very tragic episode” and said the inquiry must bring out clear, factual responsibility. He clarified that the outlet was not registered with the Tourism Department.
“What happened (fire incident) is a very tragic episode. This particular episode occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, which did not fall under the purview of the Tourism Department for registration purposes. Everyone who was there needs to be made accountable, and action needs to be initiated…,” he told the media.
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Khaunte also said the demolished Romeo Lane structure in Vagator was a separate entity and had been brought down earlier for illegality.
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“The Romeo Lane, which we have demolished due to its illegality, is in Vagator. There are two distinct constituents, two distinct parts… In the fire incident, an inquiry has already been set up, but this inquiry needs to come out with a proper factual report,” Khaunte said.
Earlier in the day, the district administration demolished 198 sq m of encroachment at Romeo Lane in Vagator. The property is owned by Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, who also run Birch by Romeo Lane, where 25 people died in Sunday’s fire.
Also Read: Goa nighclub fire: Fugitive Luthra brothers’ Romeo Lane restaurant demolished
Goa Police said owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra left for Phuket at 5:30 am on December 7, just hours after the incident. A Look Out Circular was issued later, and police have now asked Interpol to help trace them.
Goa nightclub fire: Birch by Romeo Lane owners fled the country hours after blaze killed 25
Meanwhile, police have arrested senior staff members, including the chief general manager, general manager, bar manager, gate manager and employee Bharat Kohli.
On Tuesday, police detained co-owner Ajay Gupta in Delhi. Another owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, is also named in the case.
Goa Police detain key accused in Delhi in connection with Arpora nightclub fire incident
The Goa government has set up a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to examine the sequence of events, verify licences and identify lapses. Fireworks are suspected to have caused the blaze.
Authorities have sealed two more Romeo Lane-linked properties in Vagator and Assagao. The government has also issued a safety advisory to nightclubs, bars and event venues, directing strict compliance with fire and structural norms.
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