Goa Fire: Nightclub GM, 3 Staff Arrested; Owners, Sarpanch Held

• Goa nightclub fire claimed 25 lives; Chief General Manager and three staff members arrested.
• CM Pramod Sawant announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for deceased families and ordered a magisterial inquiry into procedural lapses.
• Owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub and event organizers booked; sarpanch detained for questioning over trade license.
• Preliminary inquiry indicates the fire was caused by bursting electrical firecrackers inside the club.
• Opposition parties criticized the government, alleging the club operated without proper licenses due to political protection.

Why It Matters: Goa fire exposes safety lapses, leading to arrests and policy changes.