Deadly Goa Club Fire: Authorities Arrest Fifth Suspect as Crackdown on Owners Intensifies

Goa Cracks Down on Romeo Lane After Deadly Club Fire, Fifth Suspect Arrested.

A day after a devastating fire at Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa killed 25 people, authorities have intensified their crackdown on the chain, focusing on its founders and management. The Goa police have issued a look-out notice for the absconding owners, amid claims the club operated without proper licensing.

Four people were arrested on Sunday, while the fifth accused, the operations manager, was apprehended in Delhi on Monday.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze, which claimed the lives of staff and tourists, was sparked by electronic fireworks during a dancer’s performance. The club reportedly did not have fire department clearance, and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed safety norms were ignored.

Those arrested include chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and operations manager Bharat Singh. Authorities have also sealed another club and beach shack owned by Romeo Lane.

A Goa police team is in Delhi to track promoters Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, against whom an FIR has been filed.