Goa CM says firecrackers caused Nightclub blaze, 4 arrested

Goa chief minister on Sunday ordered a magisterial inquiry following a massive fire at a nightclub Arpora that claimed twenty-five lives. Speaking to media, CM Pramod Sawant said the managers of the club and others involved have already been arrested, and an arrest warrant has been issued against the owners."We have already sealed the other club of Romeo Lane. The government does not promote any illegal nightclub," he said. Sawant said most of the dead were the club’s kitchen workers, as well as three to four tourists. All the bodies have been recovered. Goa DGP Alok Kumar says, "The arrested persons include Rajiv Modak, Chief General Manager; Vivek Singh, General Manager; Rajveer Singhania, Bar Manager; and Priyanshu Thakur, Gate Manager... FIR has been registered against the owners, Saurav Luthra and Gaurav Luthra."

#WATCH | Fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming 25 lives | Goa CM Pramod Sawant says, "At present, four people have been arrested... We have already sealed the other club of Romeo Lane. The government does not promote any illegal nightclub..."

Goa DGP Alok Kumar… pic.twitter.com/4FGA5AEdiy

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025

Goa Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Sunday visited six victims of the nightclub fire who are undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). At least 25 people died in a blaze that broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party venue, in Arpora village of North Goa.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for a “comprehensive investigation and strict accountability”. In his X post, he wrote, "My deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the 25 people who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Arpora, Goa. This avoidable tragic incident is an irreparable loss, and I pray for the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured." Goa CM Pramod Sawant says, “The ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakhs will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured will be sanctioned through the SDRF fund.”