Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the government will shut down any tourism business operating without a fire NOC or essential safety systems, adding that the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee has already started on-site inspections and immediate action will follow wherever violations are found.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with district officials, police, and tourism stakeholders following the Arpora nightclub fire tragedy.
Sawant also confirmed that two of the three suspended government officials — Shamila Monteiro and Siddhi Halankar — have appeared before investigators in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire case. However, Arpora–Nagoa Village Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar has still not recorded his statement. The Chief Minister warned that Bagkar would be arrested if he continues to evade police.
Updating on the probe, Sawant said six arrests have been made so far and assured that every individual linked to the nightclub blaze will face action. He noted that the Birch establishment operated without construction licenses and relied only on a trade license issued by the panchayat.
The Chief Minister added that police are coordinating closely with central agencies and expect the absconding accused to be tracked down soon. He further said the government will consider ordering a judicial inquiry after the Magisterial report is submitted. If the findings indicate wider responsibility, notices will be issued to additional officials.
Sawant reaffirmed that all illegal constructions will be demolished and that strict measures are being rolled out across the tourism sector to avoid safety lapses, crowd-related issues, and road accidents during the peak season.
