Panaji, Dec 10 : Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday termed the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora a “very tragic episode” and said the ongoing inquiry must clearly establish factual responsibility and accountability for the incident that claimed 25 lives.
Clarifying the role of his department, Khaunte said the outlet was not registered with the Tourism Department. “This particular episode occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, which did not fall under the purview of the Tourism Department for registration purposes. Everyone involved needs to be made accountable, and action must be initiated,” he told the media.
Addressing the demolition carried out in Vagator earlier in the day, the minister said the Romeo Lane structure demolished for illegality was a separate entity and should not be confused with the Arpora outlet where the fire occurred. “There are two distinct constituents. The inquiry already set up must come out with a proper, factual report,” he said.
Earlier, the district administration demolished 198 square metres of encroached area at the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator. The property is owned by Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane.
According to Goa Police, the Luthra brothers fled to Phuket, Thailand, at around 5.30 am on December 7, just hours after the blaze. A Lookout Circular has been issued, and police have sought Interpol’s assistance to trace their movements.
Meanwhile, the investigation has led to multiple arrests. Police have taken into custody senior staff members, including the chief general manager, general manager, bar manager, gate manager and an employee, Bharat Kohli. On Tuesday, co-owner Ajay Gupta was detained in Delhi, while Surinder Kumar Khosla, another owner, has also been named in the case.
The Goa government has constituted a four member magisterial inquiry committee to examine the sequence of events, verify licences and identify lapses. Preliminary findings suggest that fireworks may have triggered the blaze.
Authorities have also sealed two additional Romeo Lane linked properties in Vagator and Assagao. The state government has issued a safety advisory to nightclubs, bars and event venues, directing strict compliance with fire safety and structural regulations.