Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 26: Investigations into the devastating fire at a popular Goa nightclub have taken a major turn, with authorities uncovering Rs 22 crore in suspected black money linked to the venue, shifting the focus from a tragic accident to a large-scale financial probe.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday said it has frozen bank accounts connected to the company operating Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in Arpora where 25 people lost their lives in a blaze last year. According to the agency, the club generated around Rs 22 crore over the last two financial years, which is suspected to be “proceeds of crime” under anti-money laundering laws.
The ED stated that the establishment allegedly operated without mandatory permissions and used forged documents to obtain licences. As part of the probe, officials carried out searches at nine locations across Goa, Delhi and Gurugram on January 23.
The tragic fire occurred on December 6, 2025, during a dance event at the club in Arpora village, killing 25 people and injuring nearly 50 others. The ED said its investigation revealed serious statutory violations, including fake paperwork and illegal permits, while the venue continued to earn substantial revenue during the 2024 and 2025 financial years.
“These funds are prima facie suspected to constitute proceeds of crime,” the agency said, adding that large sums were routed to personal accounts and associated companies. Several bank accounts believed to hold illicit funds have been frozen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials are also probing overseas transactions linked to connected firms and examining possible corruption angles.
The money laundering case is based on two FIRs registered by Goa Police. Eight persons have been arrested so far, including the club’s owners, brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. According to reports, the duo fled to Thailand after the fire but were deported on December 17 and are currently in judicial custody.
ED raids also targeted properties linked to former sarpanch Roshan Redkar and former panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar, who are accused of facilitating illegal licences and documentation for the nightclub. Both have been arrested by the police.
Authorities are also investigating the role of British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, alleged to be linked to the illegal conversion of protected wetlands where the club was located. As he is currently abroad, an international Red Corner Notice has been issued to trace him.
Earlier this month, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the state assembly that the venue had operated under multiple names over the years and that violations dating back to 1999 would be investigated. A separate official inquiry into the fire has reportedly pointed to the local panchayat’s failure, alleging it allowed the club to function without a valid trade licence.