The tragic Goa nightclub fire at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ has taken a sharp turn with a series of explosive allegations from the land’s original owner, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar. In an interview with media on Friday, December 19, 2025, Amonkar alleged that a key accused, Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British national, has successfully fled to the United Kingdom after being shielded by influential figures.
The Allegation: A Facilitated Escape?
Amonkar claims that Khosla was physically present in Goa when the fire broke out on December 6 and was even due for a court hearing.
- Shielding by Influence: Amonkar stated that “some big guys” protected Khosla, allowing him to leave the country despite his name being on the First Information Report (FIR).
- The “Prime Accused”: Amonkar pointed out that official demolition orders and numerous complaints against the club were issued in Khosla’s name, making him a central figure in the legal liability for the structure’s alleged illegalities.
Legal & Land Dispute: 21 Years of Litigation
The fire has brought a long-simmering legal battle to the forefront. Amonkar has been fighting to reclaim his land from Khosla for over two decades:
- The Origin: In 2004, Amonkar signed a sale agreement with Khosla but withdrew it within six months due to non-payment.
- The Encroachment: Amonkar alleges Khosla refused to return the land and instead leased it to Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP in 2023 for the construction of the nightclub.
- Status Change: Amonkar recently discovered that the land’s status was quietly changed from a “salt pan” to a “settlement zone” without his knowledge, a move he is now challenging in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court.
Status of the Investigation
While Khosla remains at large, the Goa Police have made significant progress with other suspects:
- Deportation from Thailand: The club’s primary owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, were deported from Thailand on December 16 and brought to Goa under a 48-hour transit remand from a Delhi court.
- Arrests: Total arrests have reached eight, including the Luthras and their business partner Ajay Gupta, who was detained in Delhi.
- Charges: The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence.
Summary of the Tragedy (Dec 6, 2025)
- Location: Arpora, North Goa.
- Casualties: 25 deaths (20 staff members and 5 tourists).
- Cause: A massive fire triggered during a firework/fire-dance show, compounded by a lack of proper exits and firefighting equipment.