Goa Nightclub Fire Tragedy: Absconding Owner Breaks Silence, Vows “Full Cooperation” After Blaze Claims 25 Lives

Goa Nightclub Fire: Absconding Owner Breaks Silence, Promises Full Support as Death Toll Reaches 25

Saurabh Luthra, owner of the Goa nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, issued his first public statement on December 8, 2025, expressing deep sorrow over the massive fire that killed 25 people and pledging full cooperation with authorities and victims’ families. The statement—posted on Instagram more than 34 hours after the tragedy—said the management was “deeply shaken” and committed to providing “every possible form of assistance, support, and cooperation.”

The deadly blaze erupted late on December 6 at the club in Arpora, North Goa, killing 20 staff members and five tourists, and injuring at least six more. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by fireworks or cold pyro effects igniting a flammable ceiling during a performance, or possibly due to a gas cylinder explosion. The incident has raised alarming questions about missing fire safety clearances.

Luthra and his brother Gaurav remain absconding, prompting police to issue a lookout circular and file an FIR. Multiple managers have been arrested, including one detained in Delhi. Meanwhile, Goa authorities have suspended officials who allowed the nightclub to operate without mandatory safety approvals.