Team Goemkarponn
ANJUNA: The Anjuna Police have intensified their probe into the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane fire, registering Anjuna PS Cr. No. 134/2025 under Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), 287 read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Multiple arrests, fresh detentions, post-mortem findings and scrutiny of government officials marked major developments in the fast-moving investigation.
Police confirmed that four senior staffers of Birch by Romeo Lane — Rajiv Modak (49), Corporate General Manager; Priyanshu Thakur (32), Gate Manager; Rajveer Singhania (32), Bar Manager; and Vijay Singh (27), General Manager — were arrested and remanded to six days’ police custody till December 13. Accused Bharat Koli was earlier detained in Delhi, brought to Goa, and produced for remand.
In a significant new development, Goa Police has detained accused Ajay Gupta in New Delhi. A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him earlier. When the police team visited his residence, Gupta was found absconding, prompting the police to secure an arrest warrant. He has now been traced and detained in the capital, marking a major breakthrough in efforts to secure all key accused.
A forensic team from the FSL conducted an extensive examination of the fire site, lifting crucial material evidence for scientific analysis.
Of the 25 deceased, police stated that 20 were staff members of the nightclub, four tourists from Delhi, and one tourist from Karnataka. All bodies were initially preserved at the Goa Medical College morgue. Post-mortem examinations have been completed on 21 bodies, which have since been transported to their native states. Doctors certified the cause of death for 19 victims as “cerebral and pulmonary edema consequent to inhalation of asphyxiant gases”. Two others suffered similar toxic gas inhalation alongside epidermal flame-burn injuries. Autopsies for two victims from Nepal are underway, and the families of two other Nepali nationals have been informed.
Investigators have recorded detailed statements from the former Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board and the former Director of Panchayats. Additional government officials are being summoned for questioning, indicating possible regulatory lapses.
Police have already issued arrest warrants against
– Gaurav Luthra (44)
– Saurabh Luthra (40)
– Ajay Gupta, now detained in New Delhi
Additionally, a Look Out Circular (LOC) has been opened against the above trio and Surinder Kumar Khosla.
Meanwhile, Roshan Redkar, Sarpanch of the Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, has been interrogated, and all documents related to Survey No. 150/0 have been seized. Several police teams have been deployed to government departments to obtain records related to the nightclub’s permissions, construction, and operational compliance.
Police have reiterated that a “meticulous and speedy investigation” is underway as teams continue to trace remaining accused and uncover the complete chain of responsibility behind one of Goa’s worst club fire tragedies.
