Daijiworld Media Network - Arpora

Arpora, Dec 8: The inquiry into the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire, which claimed 25 lives on Saturday, sparked major political turmoil on Sunday after Arpora–Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar was detained for questioning at the Anjuna Police Station for over five hours.

Redkar had issued a demolition order in March 2025 declaring the nightclub illegal and directing its razing. However, the order was stayed by the Deputy Director of Panchayats, allowing the controversial club to continue operations until the deadly blaze.

As word spread of Redkar’s questioning, hundreds of villagers from Arpora, Nagoa, Calangute and Anjuna gathered outside the police station, alleging that the Sarpanch was being unfairly targeted while the club owners remained untouched. The protest soon escalated as the crowd entered the station premises, demanding Redkar’s immediate release.

Leaders of the AAP and Congress reached the spot to back the Sarpanch. AAP State President Amit Palekar termed the questioning “illegal” and argued that all authorities who granted permissions — including the Fire Department, Pollution Control Board, Electricity Department and FDA — must also be summoned.

The agitated crowd accused the police and BJP-led government of shielding nightclub operators and harassing an elected representative who had “done his duty” months before the tragedy. They also criticised the local MLA, alleging an unchecked rise of nightclubs in the constituency, many reportedly violating safety norms and functioning without proper clearances.

Sunday’s dramatic scenes highlighted mounting public anger and deepening political friction, with villagers insisting that accountability for the fire must extend across all departments responsible for oversight and enforcement.