Goa club fire: Absconding owner breaks silence over tragedy, lookout notice issued against him
Luthra in a social media post expressed grief and said that the management is deeply “deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives,” as he condoled the deaths.
PTC News Desk: A day after devastating fire tragedy at Goa's Romeo Lane club killed 25, the government has stepped up its crackdown against on the controversial nightclub chain, tightening the noose around its owners. Meanwhile one of the owners, Saurabh Luthra has finally broken his silence over the tragedy.
Luthra in a social media post expressed grief and said that the management is deeply “deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives,” as he condoled the deaths.
"The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch. In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity," he posted on Instagram.
A massive fire at a well-known beach club in North Goa claimed 25 lives, including employees and tourists, exposing serious illegal practices and negligence by authorities in enforcing safety rules. Most victims died from suffocation after becoming trapped on the ground floor and in the kitchen. The fire is suspected to have started from electric firecrackers used during a dancer’s performance at the crowded ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub.
The club reportedly did not even have mandatory permission from the fire department. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said initial reports indicate that the establishment ignored fire safety regulations and promised strict action.
Police have arrested five people connected to the club — chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and operations manager Bharat Singh from Delhi.
In the intensified crackdown, authorities shut down a beach shack and another club belonging to the Romeo Lane group.
A police team has also been sent to Delhi to trace the property developers, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who have been booked under an FIR.
The Chief Minister has instructed Chief Secretary V. Candavelou and DGP Alok Kumar to identify and take action against the government officials who allowed the club to operate despite clear safety violations.