Goa fire: 25 killed at illegal Birch by Romeo Lane, defied demolition

• Deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa's Arpora village claimed 25 lives.
• The nightclub operated without required licenses and approvals, leading to a case against its chairman and others.
• The establishment was illegally built on an eco-sensitive salt pan area.
• A demolition notice issued in April 2024 was stayed on appeal, allowing the club to continue operating.
• Warnings about the unstable structure and potential tragedy were raised by local residents and an MLA prior to the incident.

Why It Matters: This highlights the deadly consequences of regulatory negligence and illegal operations.