Goa Nightclub Fire: Corruption, Negligence Led to 25 Deaths, Probe Reveals Systemic Failures

• Investigation into the December 6 Arpora nightclub fire, which killed 25, exposes systemic failures and a 'cocktail' of corruption and negligence.
• Club 'Berc by Romeo Lane' operated on an expired trade license since March 2024; panchayat failed to seal premises or stop activities.
• Illegal construction in an eco-sensitive 'salt pan' zone, with panchayat issuing NOCs without an 'Occupancy Certificate'.
• Seven government departments, including Trade, Excise, Food Safety, and Pollution Control Board, approved the illegally built club.
• Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) ignored two complaints about illegal construction and CRZ violations, allowing fear-free operation.

Why It Matters: Systemic corruption and negligence by multiple departments directly caused the tragic Goa nightclub fire deaths.