Goa Police have since sought Interpol’s assistance to trace and detain the duo, who are wanted for questioning in connection with one of the state’s worst commercial fire tragedies in recent years. The blaze, which erupted late Thursday night, claimed the lives of 20 staff members and five tourists. Most bodies have been recovered, Goa DGP Alok Kumar said, adding that the fire spread rapidly from the kitchen to other sections of the club. “Two people died on the stairs while attempting to escape,” he noted.

In a significant revelation, landowner Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar told PTI that the nightclub and an adjoining restaurant were illegally built on salt fields. He added that the land dispute has been pending in court for nearly two decades, raising fresh concerns about regulatory oversight and the mushrooming of commercial establishments in ecologically sensitive zones.

Police have arrested five individuals so far, including operational staffer Bharat Kohli, Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, and Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur. Authorities have also sealed two other properties linked to the same hospitality chain.

The Goa government has constituted a four-member magisterial inquiry committee and issued fresh safety advisories for nightclubs, event venues, bars, and restaurants across the state.

Two days after the accident, Saurabh Luthra posted a statement on social media expressing grief over the loss of life and promising support to affected families. The investigation, however, now hinges on securing the owners’ return as the state examines lapses that allowed the establishment to operate despite long-standing legal disputes and alleged safety violations.