A JAMPACKED nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of Government officials in enforcing rules.

 

Fireworks was the likely cause of the blaze at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub at Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, officials said, adding that four of its staff members were arrested and owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, named in the FIR, too would be taken into custody soon.

 

At least six persons were injured in the incident. The deceased included four tourists and 14 employees, some of them from Jharkhand, while the identity of the remaining seven was yet to be established, police said. The club, which stands in the backwater of Arpora river, allegedly did not possess even a fire department NOC, and small doors coupled with the narrow bridge leading to it made it difficult for the people to escape, fire officials said.

 

Preliminary inquiry revealed that “electric firecrackers” were set off inside which started the blaze at 11.45 pm on Saturday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, adding that he has directed chief secretary Dr V Candavelou and Director General of Police Alok Kumar to identify and act against the Government officials who allowed the club to operate even (Contd on page 5)