Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered the demolition of Romeo Lane Vagator, said to be the flagship outlet of the Luthra brothers in the state, amid mounting anger over alleged fire-safety violations linked to the tragic nightclub blaze that claimed 25 lives.
Sawant reiterated that his government would maintain “zero tolerance” towards establishments that operate illegally, skirt permissions, or endanger the public. The demolition directive underscores the administration’s intent to act swiftly as the probe deepens.
The spotlight remains firmly on the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the upscale venue where the deadly fire broke out during a Bollywood theme night last Saturday. According to Goa Police, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra travelled out of India to Thailand mere hours after the incident.
An FIR was filed without delay, and a police team was dispatched to the Luthras’ Delhi residences for raids. Finding both men untraceable, officers pasted legal notices at their doors. By December 7, a Lookout Circular had been issued through the Bureau of Immigration.
With their exit established, the investigation has now gone global. Interpol Blue Corner Notices have been requested to track the duo’s movements overseas and gather details crucial to the case.
The fire, which survivors say escalated rapidly due to cramped exits and combustible décor, has triggered public outrage, with citizens and opposition leaders questioning how the nightclub continued operations despite alleged lapses including absence of mandatory permissions and a fire department NOC.
Police officials insist the case is being pursued with the highest seriousness, and more action is expected as new evidence emerges.
As Goa reels from one of its most devastating club disasters in recent memory, authorities say accountability will not stop at demolishing a building; they intend to bring the people responsible back to face justice.
