Goa Police on Monday arrested an employee of a North Goa nightclub where a massive fire killed 25 people early Sunday. The arrested individual, identified as Bharat Kohli from Delhi, handled daily operations at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. He has been taken to Goa for interrogation.
Authorities are now searching for the club&rsquo;s owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, after failing to locate them at their Delhi residence. Investigators believe the brothers may have fled to Phuket within hours of the incident. A lookout circular has been issued against them.
Police questioned the family about the brothers&rsquo; recent movements, possible hideouts, and people they may have contacted. The duo faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering life, and negligence related to fire safety.
The nightclub, operational for just two years, reportedly lacked essential fire-safety clearances, emergency exits, fire equipment, construction permissions, or even a valid licence to serve liquor. Three other entertainment outlets owned by the brothers in Goa have also been sealed.
On Sunday, police arrested four senior staff members of the club &mdash; the chief general manager, general manager, bar manager, and gate manager.
The fire broke out when fireworks were allegedly set off on the dance floor. The venue, located near a popular beach, was packed with revellers at the time. Twenty of those killed were employees of the club.
An inquiry earlier found that the nightclub stood on a salt pan, an eco-sensitive area, making it ineligible for construction permissions. It also allegedly violated Coastal Regulation Zone norms, which prohibit construction in inter-tidal zones.
The fire department&rsquo;s report highlighted serious lapses, including the absence of a no-objection certificate. It described a basement that turned into a &ldquo;gas chamber,&rdquo; with inadequate ventilation, obstructed escape routes, and thick smoke that left victims trapped in darkness. The rapid spread of flames was attributed to combustible wooden interiors, high fuel load in bar and dining areas, and flammable furnishings.
The report noted that most deaths occurred within minutes due to toxic smoke, carbon monoxide exposure, and oxygen-deficient conditions.
In a social media post on Monday, Saurabh expressed &ldquo;profound grief&rdquo; over the tragedy and extended support to the families of the deceased and injured, promising full cooperation.

Nightclub blaze claims 25 lives; police hunt missing owners who allegedly fled

Goa Club Fire: Staff Held, Owners Flee

Nightclub blaze claims 25 lives; police hunt missing owners who allegedly fled

December 9, 2025 | 16:49 IST