The tragic fire that ripped through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, last Saturday night, killing 25 people and injuring six, is being recounted with horror by survivors and victim families. Bhavna Joshi, who miraculously survived the blaze but lost her husband and three sisters, described how quickly the disaster unfolded.
The Inferno’s Sudden Intensity
Speaking from her home in northeast Delhi’s Karawal Nagar, a tearful Bhavna Joshi recalled the terrifying moments inside the club where she had been enjoying a vacation with her family.
“We were enjoying ourselves. Everything was normal. Suddenly, there was fire,” she recalled, speaking to news agency PTI. “It was small at first, but they could not control it. In seconds, the fire became huge and uncontrollable. My husband and my sisters were trapped in it. I saw everything,” she said.
Bhavna’s husband, Vinod Kumar (43), and her three sisters—Kamla Joshi (42), Anita Joshi (41), and Saroj Joshi (39)—were all among the 25 fatalities. Bhavna survived with injuries.
Probable Cause and Key Safety Lapses
Authorities have determined that the deadly fire was likely caused by electrically detonated pyroguns shot off during a belly dancing program.
The fire’s rapid, fatal spread was attributed to a combination of severe safety lapses:
- Inadequate number of exits.
- The use of pyroguns near flammable materials.
- The presence of a thatched roof.
- Stacks of alcohol, which intensified the blaze, causing it to engulf the 300-square-metre establishment within minutes.
Twenty of the victims were staffers at the club, while five were tourists, including Bhavna’s family members.
Family Rejects Compensation, Demands Justice
Bhavna Joshi and her elderly mother, Meena, are rejecting the idea of monetary compensation and are demanding strict justice for the negligence that led to the tragedy.
“I just want justice for my family. Nothing more, nothing less,” Bhavna stated.
She expressed outrage over the reported offer of compensation: “They keep asking for bank details. They say they will give us two lakh rupees… Are we beggars? Will two lakh rupees bring back my family? Will it return my sisters? Have some shame. I do not want any compensation. I want justice.”
Meena, who lost four children, echoed the sentiment: “I lost my children. I lost everything in that fire. What do you expect from a mother who lost four children at this age? The culprits must not get away with bail or just a fine. They must face the consequences. I only want justice.”
Naveen, Kamla’s husband and Vinod’s elder brother, accused the authorities of negligence, warning: “There are many restaurants and clubs where rules are not followed. Action should be taken so this does not happen again. Today, it happened to us. Tomorrow, it may be someone else.”
Club Owners Apprehended in Thailand
Meanwhile, the investigation has intensified as the co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, Delhi-based brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, were apprehended in Thailand. The two had reportedly fled to Phuket from Delhi within hours of learning about the fire in the early hours of December 7.
- Fleeing Justice: Their bail plea was rejected by a court in Delhi, even as they claimed they feared being “lynched in Goa.” A court in Goa is set to hear their plea next.
- Police Probe: The police investigation in Goa has revealed that the brothers allegedly applied for permission to open their club using a forged copy of a land agreement. Investigators plan to confront them with this and other revelations upon receiving custody, which is likely early next week.
- Official Statement: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that deportation procedures are underway, and the Goa Police is in continuous coordination with central agencies to bring the accused back to India.
A parallel magisterial inquiry has also been launched, summoning officials who granted the establishment permissions to operate to depose before the inquiry committee.