Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, May 27: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 11.01 crore in connection with the illegal operations of the “Birch by Romeo Lane” establishment in Arpora, Goa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, officials said on Wednesday.
With this latest action by the Panaji Zonal Office, the total value of attached and frozen assets in the case has risen to around Rs 29.05 crore, according to ED officials.
The investigation stems from multiple FIRs registered by Goa Police at Anjuna and Mapusa police stations against Saurabh Luthra and others. The case relates to the devastating fire incident on December 6, 2025, which claimed 25 lives and left several others injured.
According to the ED, the probe has revealed that the establishment was being operated by M/s Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP without mandatory statutory clearances, including a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). Authorities also alleged that forged documents, including fake Health NOCs and Police Clearance Certificates, were submitted to obtain regulatory approvals.
Investigators further found that the club continued operating despite the expiry of its trade licence on March 31, 2024, and functioned without valid authorisation.
The ED stated that the venue generated nearly Rs 29.78 crore in revenue between FY 2023–24 and December 6, 2025, which has been classified as proceeds of crime under the PMLA.
Earlier, searches conducted in January 2026 led to the seizure of incriminating documents, digital evidence, and the freezing of bank accounts worth Rs 59 lakh. The agency had also issued a prior attachment order of Rs 17.45 crore in the same case.
The tragic fire at the nightclub had triggered widespread outrage over alleged safety violations and regulatory failures, prompting parallel criminal and financial investigations.
The ED said its ongoing probe aims to trace the complete financial network behind the operations and identify all individuals involved in the alleged illegal activities. Further action will be taken as the investigation progresses.