Team Goemkarponn
Anjuna: Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar appeared before the Anjuna police for questioning in connection with the Birch nightclub fire case, as investigators continue to probe the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
Speaking to the police, Amonkar stated that he has owned the property since 1994. He said the premises were operated by him as a hotel for around 10 years before its use changed over time.
Amonkar further informed investigators that he had later entered into an agreement to sell the property to Khosla, but cancelled the deal after allegedly discovering forged documents linked to the transaction.
Amonkar maintained that he had no involvement in the functioning of the Birch nightclub at the time of the fire. Claiming that the tragedy could have been prevented, he said he had earlier warned the authorities about issues related to the property and its operations. According to him, timely action on those warnings might have averted the incident.
Police officials said Amonkar’s statement has been recorded and will be examined along with documentary evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. Further inquiries are underway to ascertain responsibility and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the fire.
