Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 9: The Goa government has directed the demolition of the Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub in Vagator on Tuesday, following a devastating fire at the club’s Arpora venue on Saturday night that claimed 25 lives. Investigators have suggested that the fatalities could potentially have been avoided, according to a senior local police officer involved in the probe.

Prior to the tragedy, Anjuna police station and the local crime branch had issued notices to the club’s owners seeking documents and permissions required to operate legally. However, senior IPS officers allegedly intervened, preventing further action. Investigators claim that top officials had also pressured the police to close an FIR registered against the club over loud music violations. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Anjuna police inspector Prashal Desai had sought details about the club’s permissions, but a senior IPS officer, now retired, reportedly blocked the inquiry.

Subsequent attempts by crime branch DSP Rajesh Kumar and Anjuna PI Paresh Naik to pursue violations were reportedly halted, with officers instructed not to confront the club owners and, in some instances, to file closure reports. Investigators believe that call records of serving and retired IPS officers could potentially link them directly to the club owners.

On Sunday, state revenue minister Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate questioned whether IAS and IPS officers implicated in wrongdoing would face suspension, as three government officials were suspended following the tragedy. The suspended officials include former Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar, former member-secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board Shamila Monteiro, and former secretary of Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat Reghuvir Bagkar.

The state government stated that the demolition of the nightclub was necessary both to prevent further risk and to facilitate ongoing investigations into the fire and related lapses.