Goa Nightclub Fire: Probe Flags Major Lapses by Panchayat, Authorities; 25 Dead

• A December 6 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora killed 25 people, leading to a magisterial probe.
• Probe found "primary culpability" with Arpora panchayat for allowing operations with an expired trade license and failing to enforce a demolition order.
• Nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were arrested and are in police custody until December 29, facing culpable homicide charges.
• Questions arise over NOCs granted despite the property being in an eco-sensitive zone and lacking an occupancy certificate.
• Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is under scrutiny for not acting on illegal construction complaints in a Coastal Regulation Zone.

Why It Matters: Goa nightclub fire probe exposes widespread regulatory failures and negligence by multiple authorities.