7 months ago
Goa Nightclub Fire Probe Reveals Violations Since 1999
A nightclub in Goa called 'Birch by Romeo Lane' had a big fire last month that sadly killed 25 people.
The government is now looking into the club's history and found out it has been operating under different names since 1999.
The chief minister said they will check all the rules the club broke over the years.
They are also checking other nightclubs and restaurants to make sure they follow the rules.
Some clubs were sealed because they didn't have the right permits.
The opposition leaders are asking for more details and want the government to be fair and not protect anyone, even if they are famous.
Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub operated under multiple names since 1999.
Goa government is conducting a probe into the club's violations since its establishment.
22 establishments were sealed for operating without necessary permits and NOCs.
534 complaints were received by the Coastal Zone Management Authority between 2021 and 2025, with 336 demolition orders issued.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured no VIP protection will be given to violators.
- Who
- Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, AAP MLA Venzy Viegas
- What
- Probe into violations by the nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane' since 1999
- Where
- Goa, India, specifically Arpora village in North Goa
- When
- Ongoing, with a focus on events since 1999
- Why
- To investigate violations and ensure compliance with regulations
Key facts
- Nightclub Name
- Birch by Romeo Lane
- Location
- Arpora village, North Goa
- Fatalities
- 25
- Establishment Year
- 1999
- Inspections Conducted
- 86 (47 in North Goa, 39 in South Goa)
- Establishments Sealed
- 22 (17 in North Goa, 5 in South Goa)
- Complaints Received by CZMA
- 534 (2021-2025)
- Demolition Orders Issued
- 336
Quotes
Pramod Sawant
Chief Minister of Goa
“"Birch by Romeo Lane", the nightclub gutted in a fire last month claiming 25 lives, operated under different names over the years, and his government will conduct a probe into its violations since 1999.”
rediff.com
“"The name of the club kept changing. The inquiry is being conducted into the violations of the club, right from 1999 when it was granted permission to be established on a tenanted land."”
rediff.com
Yuri Alemao
Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly
“"Some clubs, including those run by VIPs like actress Shilpa Shetty, were being protected by the government."”
rediff.com
Venzy Viegas
Aam Aadmi Party MLA in Goa
“"The Bastion Club in Morjim was allowed to operate by taking advantage of loopholes in the system."”
rediff.com
