The investigation into the deadly fire at a north Goa nightclub has revealed that the owners allegedly submitted a forged land agreement to secure official permission to operate the establishment, police said on Friday.
Delhi-based entrepreneurs Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, are expected to be confronted with the finding once they are brought into police custody, likely early next week. The brothers had left India within hours of the blaze and were later detained in Thailand. Authorities are coordinating with central agencies to complete their repatriation.
The fire broke out around 11.45 pm on Saturday during a performance in which electrically triggered pyrotechnic devices were allegedly used indoors. Investigators said multiple safety failures, including inadequate exits, a thatched roof, use of pyrotechnics and storage of large quantities of alcohol, caused the fire to spread rapidly across the 300-square-metre premises.
Twenty-five people were killed, and six were injured. Most of the victims were staff members, while others were tourists. Police said flight tickets to Thailand were booked shortly after the incident, and the brothers departed early Sunday morning. A lookout notice was issued later.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering life and negligent handling of combustible material. Several arrests have been made, including senior staff and a co-owner. Statements of more than 50 witnesses have been recorded.
Local panchayat officials have also been questioned over permissions granted to the premises, while a parallel magisterial inquiry is examining the role of authorities involved in licensing the club.

Probe finds fake land agreement, arrests made; repatriation of owners soon ahead

Forged Papers Used for Goa Club Licence: Police HQ

Probe finds fake land agreement, arrests made; repatriation of owners soon ahead

December 13, 2025 | 15:24 IST