Goa Nightclub Tragedy: Illegal Constructions Ignored Before Fire

The Goa government reported in the legislative assembly that the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, where 25 people perished in a fire, was flagged for illegal construction. The establishment reportedly converted land illegitimately and discharged sewage into the Baga river, raising concerns over safety and compliance with regulations.

The tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, resulting in 25 deaths, has brought to light a history of illegal construction activities. Goa's legislative assembly revealed that revenue officials flagged the club for unauthorized developments back in 2024.

Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserratte presented documents showing that the nightclub was built by demolishing a traditional sluice gate within the salt pan illegally. Originally owned by Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, the property was leased to brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra after they signed an agreement to sell it to Surinder Khosla.

Complaints detailed unsafe structures, illegal land conversion, and the discharge of sewage into the Baga river. The Bardez mamlatdar's inspection confirmed these violations, prompting significant scrutiny of the establishment's operations and compliance failures.