On Monday, the fifth arrest in the case was made when Bharat Singh, the nightclub’s operations manager, was detained in Delhi. Earlier arrests included Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, and Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur, all placed in six days’ police custody.
In a major administrative action, the Goa government suspended three senior officials linked to the approval of the nightclub’s operations. Dr Shamila Monteiro, former Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, ex-Director of Panchayats, and Reghuvir D. Bagkar, former Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat Secretary, were placed under immediate suspension.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was triggered by electric firecrackers during a performance by Kazakhstani belly dancer Kristina, whose video went viral post-incident. Eyewitnesses reported a stampede as patrons tried to flee, with many trapped in the ground-floor kitchen. Most victims reportedly died of suffocation.
The police have filed FIRs against the club owners and the event organiser, while sealing two club properties. BJP MLA Michael Lobo has called for a comprehensive safety audit of all clubs in Goa, emphasizing that tourist and staff safety must remain paramount.
Authorities have deployed multiple teams across Goa and Delhi to ensure thorough investigations. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the probe is ongoing, with accountability measures being implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
The tragic fire has renewed concerns about compliance, licensing, and safety regulations in nightlife establishments, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and oversight statewide.
