Arpora nightclub fire: Emergency lines issued, FIR lodged against owners

New Delhi: The North Goa Collector's Office has issued emergency numbers to ensure monitoring, incident response, and resolution of people's complaints, after 25 people died in a fire at a nightclub in Arpora, North Goa.

A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered, naming the club’s owner, manager, and several others, IANS reported.

A number of staff members have been detained for questioning, while the owner remains on the run as police teams continue their search.

The state administration, led by the Office of the Collector, North Goa, stated that these helplines would enable quicker coordination, prompt responses, and clear communication channels for anyone seeking information or assistance.

According to the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority, the District Control Room at the North Goa Collectorate can be contacted on 0832-2225383, while the Goa Police Control Room (North Goa) will be available on 7875756000 for urgent reports and support.

A release noted that designated officials have been appointed at both district and sub-divisional levels. These include Bardez-I Officer Varsha S. Parab (8308014526) and Bardez-II Officer Vasant Dabholkar (7083234963).

For the Tiswadi area, Bhiku L. Gawas (9421151048) has been named as the primary point of contact. The Mamlatdar offices headed by Anant Rajaram Malik (9637779277) and Dattaprasad Toraskar (9923882807) have also been placed on active duty.

The fire broke out around midnight at Birch by Romeo Lane, a club in the busy Baga area that regularly attracts large crowds due to its proximity to one of Goa’s most popular beaches. The popular party spot, around 25 km from the state capital Panaji, opened last year.

The blaze has claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members. The identities of seven victims are yet to be confirmed. Six people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. In a post on X, the CM said, "I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and six have been injured."

PM announces ₹2 lakh ex gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed his distress over the fire tragedy in Arpora, Goa, and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each person who died, and ₹50,000 for those injured.

“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday conveyed her sympathies to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a heartrending tragedy and wished those undergoing treatment a swift recovery.

In a message posted on X, she said, “Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday voiced sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating fire at a club-cum-restaurant in Arpora, Goa, and urged for a “comprehensive investigation and strict accountability.”

FIR lodged against owners

Speaking to PTI, CM Sawant said the police have lodged an FIR against the owner and the general manager of the nightclub, and that they would be arrested.

He noted that this is the first time such an incident has occurred in Goa.

According to the Chief Minister, a preliminary inquiry suggests the fire began on the first floor of the club, and due to congestion and narrow doorways, customers were unable to escape.

Local village council official Roshan Redkar told PTI that the club had previously been served a demolition notice because it lacked a government construction permit. However, he said the order was later withdrawn by higher authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)