Goa Nightclub Owner Faces Legal Hurdles Amid Fire Tragedy

Ajay Gupta, co-owner of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, is embroiled in legal troubles as Goa police charge him with forgery. Gupta allegedly used a fake certificate to obtain a trade license. The nightclub was the site of a fatal fire on December 6, killing 25 people.

Legal challenges deepened on Tuesday for Ajay Gupta, co-owner of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa, after police filed charges of forgery against him.

Authorities allege Gupta used a fake health department certificate to secure a trade license for the establishment, leading to his booking at the Mapusa police station, according to a senior official.

Currently held in custody by Anjuna police, Gupta was arrested following a December 6 fire at the nightclub that resulted in 25 fatalities, amid accusations of gross safety violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)