An Arpora nightclub tragedy on 06/12/25 in Goa killed 25 patrons, most of whom were employees trapped in a basement full of smoke and fire. Birch’s owner, Saurabh Luthra, faces criminal charges for negligence, and authorities are actively searching for him.
The fire erupted shortly after midnight. Narrow exits and a congested area caused 14 employees and 4 tourists to be trapped in a basement kitchen. Six individuals suffered serious injuries, one from smoke inhalation and five from burns. Police/fire department/fire engines took over 30 minutes to respond, and parked approximately 400 meters away from the incident.
Saurabh Luthra is the founder and chairman of Birch. He holds a B.Tech (Gold Medalist) in Software Engineering from Saurashtra University. Saurabh started his career as a business development executive in IT; he entered the Hospitality Sector by opening the Romeo Lane brand in 2016 in Delhi.
Romeo Lane has expanded into 22 cities across three countries with its organic cocktails and PR events. Birch was recently opened on the river with a unique island bar theme including cabana-style seating and jungle-inspired décor.
An FIR was filed against both Luthra and the General Manager by Police for serious safety issues including very small doors and highly flammable material. The Chief Minister of Goa (Pramod Sawant) has ordered a magisterial investigation as well as imminent arrests after the review is concluded.
The Chief Minister visited the location and declared that this was Goa’s first mass casualty event. He assured everyone that any injured individuals would receive medical treatment as needed. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences about the event and vowed to create the right conditions to foster the return of tourists.
This article is based on information reported by credible news sources and official statements available at the time of writing. Details related to the investigation, FIR status, and legal proceedings may change as authorities release further updates. Readers are advised to follow official announcements for the latest information. There is no intention to defame any individual or entity.
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Vani Verma is a content writer with over 2 years of experience in lifestyle, entertainment, health and digital media. She has a knack for creating engaging and research-driven content that resonates with readers, blending creativity with clarity. Passionate about media trends, culture, and storytelling, she strives to craft content that informs, inspires, and connects.
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