Tragic Blaze at Birch Nightclub, Arpora: 25 Lives Lost, Land Dispute and Safety Concerns Under Scrutiny in Goa

The tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village that claimed 25 lives shortly after midnight has highlighted a range of alleged violations, ignored warnings, and an ongoing land dispute that local authorities say had placed the establishment under scrutiny.

In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Arpora sarpanch Roshan Redkar stated that the nightclub operated without permission from the village panchayat and had been functioning illegally for nearly a year.

“The so-called ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ property was already embroiled in a land dispute. The panchayat had issued demolition orders, and the nightclub’s operations were never sanctioned,” the sarpanch explained, adding that landowners, including those with the surnames Khosla and Luthra, had filed numerous complaints regarding the establishment, which he noted was linked to a sister concern of the Romeo Lane brand.
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The conflict between the landowners and the nightclub operators had been persistent, with several submissions made to the panchayat alleging unauthorized construction and commercial operations. “We clearly communicated that the establishment lacked permission. The dispute was active, and directives were issued. Yet, they continued to operate,” the sarpanch shared with CNBC-TV18.

Despite the absence of local approval, the nightclub allegedly obtained an NOC from the fire department, a decision that is now facing intense examination. A well-known lawyer from Arpora informed CNBC-TV18 that the NOC “did not adhere to essential safety regulations,” particularly highlighting an illegally constructed kitchen on the mezzanine level.

“There is no justification for granting an NOC for a kitchen lacking a fire escape. This is illegal. A blocked, non-compliant layout was one reason staff couldn’t flee. There was also an ongoing issue against the establishment,” the lawyer remarked.

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has indicated that an FIR has been filed against the nightclub’s owner and general manager. In a post on X, Sawant stated, “I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, which led to 25 fatalities and six injuries.” He further mentioned that all injured individuals are currently stable and receiving appropriate care.

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Sawant noted that this is the first incident of such magnitude in Goa’s nightlife and announced a magisterial inquiry to uncover the cause, accountability, and regulatory failures that contributed to the disaster.

Initial findings suggest that the fire started on the first floor and spread rapidly. Congested and narrow exits, along with blocked pathways, reportedly hindered partygoers’ escape. “Some of them rushed to the ground floor and became trapped there,” the chief minister stated.