Goa police have formally charged the owners of a nightclub where a tragic fire claimed 25 lives, and detained a local official in connection with the incident. The FIR names the club owners and puts them under scrutiny for serious violations. One village official, responsible for licensing, is also under detention, as investigators pursue every lead in the deadly blaze.
Authorities say the club’s manager and event organisers are also under investigation, expanding the scope of the probe beyond just the club owners.
Illegal Building, Flammable Materials, and Narrow Exits — Investigation Uncovers Multiple Violations
Preliminary inquiry revealed that the nightclub — located in Arpora village — lacked proper construction permission. The building reportedly used flammable materials and had a design with narrow entry and exit routes. Investigators point out that these flaws severely hampered escape when the fire erupted.
Witness accounts and police reports say that the layout trapped many inside, especially in areas like the kitchen and ground floor, as smoke and flames spread swiftly. Safety experts involved in the inquiry described the setup as a “death trap waiting to happen.”
Licensing Irregularities: Local Official Detained
The local panchayat head who issued the trade licence for the club in 2013 has been detained. Officials say the permit was granted despite the building lacking legal clearance. Past demolition orders against the structure — issued when authorities found violations — were reportedly stalled after an appeal, allowing the club to continue operations illegally.
This has raised serious questions about oversight and accountability at the local level. Investigators are now auditing all paperwork and previous notices related to the club’s construction and licensing.
Fire Trigger: Cylinder Blast, Night Crowd, Immediate Collapse into Chaos
According to the initial police report, the fire sprang from a cylinder blast late Saturday night. At the time, the club held around 100 guests and staff. As flames erupted, panicked patrons rushed downstairs, hoping to escape.
But they found themselves funneled into a cramped ground-floor area, including the kitchen, where smoke and fire quickly consumed the small space. Several victims reportedly died due to suffocation after being trapped in the smoke-filled rooms.
Casualties: Tourists, Staff, Unidentified Victims
The confirmed death toll stands at 25, including tourists and club staff. Four of the dead were foreign tourists; fourteen were employees. Authorities are still identifying the remaining victims. At least six other people suffered injuries and are undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Families of the deceased have appealed for justice, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for everyone responsible — from club owners to local authorities who allowed the venue to operate.
State-Ordered Crackdown: Closure of Related Venues, Safety Audits to Follow
Following the tragedy, state authorities ordered the immediate sealing of another venue linked to the nightclub promoters — a shack in Vagator. The crackdown aims to prevent further incidents and to uncover whether similar illegal operations exist elsewhere.
The government has also promised comprehensive fire-safety audits across all nightlife venues, especially those in vulnerable or coastal zones. Clubs operating without valid licenses or failing safety checks will face strict action, including permanent closure and criminal charges if found culpable.
A Wake-Up Call for Goa’s Nightlife and Regulation Enforcement
This devastating fire has put a spotlight on serious gaps in regulation and the enforcement of safety laws in Goa’s nightlife industry. As the investigation continues, many see this as a crucial moment for reform. Clubs, regulators, and local authorities must now work together to ensure tragedies like this never repeat.
Victims’ families await justice. The state waits for answers. And Goa’s tourism — long celebrated for its nightlife — faces a reckoning.
