Birch by Romeo Lane tragedy: Owner breaks silence
The owner of the now-infamous club, Saurabh Luthra, posted on Instagram that management feels “profound grief” and stands “deeply shaken” by the “tragic loss of lives” after the December 7 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane.
He pledged that the organisation will offer “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to the victims’ families and those injured in the blaze.
What happened — a snapshot of the night
The fire erupted around 11:45 PM during a dance performance inside the club. Eyewitnesses said performers used “cold pyro guns,” which ignited sparks that touched the wooden ceiling — built with flammable materials — causing flames to spread within minutes.
As panic spread, many tried to evacuate. But a large number of victims — primarily staff working in the basement kitchen — got trapped in smoke-filled, poorly ventilated areas and died of suffocation.
Legal action and probe under way
Police registered an FIR against Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav Luthra, and issued a lookout notice for them. At least five club managers — including the chief general manager, bar manager and gate manager — have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
Investigators are now scrutinizing whether the club had required safety approvals. Reports indicate the venue lacked a proper fire-safety license, used flammable interiors, and had only limited exits — making evacuation almost impossible after the fire broke out.
Wider fallout — safety concerns and tourism impact
Most victims were young workers or migrant staff — hidden casualties of a glamorous nightlife economy. Many families now demand accountability not only from club owners but also from authorities who granted permissions despite repeated safety violations.
The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of fire-safety norms across all nightlife venues in Goa, ahead of the peak tourist season. The incident also damages the state’s reputation as a safe holiday and party destination.
