Two Goa Pollution Control Board officers suspended over nightclub fire tragedy

Two officers of the Goa State Pollution Control Board have been suspended in connection with the nightclub fire tragedy, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Wednesday.

Show-cause notices are also set to be issued to several officers from other departments following an inquiry, the Chief Minister said.

The fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora on the night of 6 December claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff.

With the latest suspensions, a total of five state government officials have now faced disciplinary action. Those previously suspended include Sharmila Monteiro, then Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board; Siddhi Halarnkar, then Director of Panchayat; and Raghuvir Bagkar, then Secretary of the Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat.

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Sawant stated that a magisterial inquiry report has been submitted to the government and will be made public shortly. “Two officers from the Goa State Pollution Control Board were suspended based on the findings of the report. Action will also be taken against others from departments including Fire and Emergency Services and Excise,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that those responsible for any illegalities at the nightclub would not be spared.

Regarding the reopening of some clubs sealed after the tragedy, Sawant said these establishments must adhere to safety guidelines. “Once they fulfil the guidelines, inspections will follow, and only then will they be allowed to operate. Those failing to comply will be shut down permanently,” he added.

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Goa Police have so far arrested eight individuals, including three owners of the nightclub. Another owner, Surinder Khosla, is still at large. The Mapusa court extended the police custody of owner-brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra on 26 December. The siblings had fled to Thailand hours after the fire and were deported back to India on 17 December.