A day after a catastrophic fire claimed 25 lives at a packed nightclub in Goa, police have launched decisive action against the establishment’s owners and management for alleged negligence and violations of safety norms. The blaze, which erupted shortly before midnight during a live event, spread rapidly through the venue’s enclosed sections, leaving little time for many patrons to escape.
Fire and emergency service teams battled the flames for hours before bringing the situation under control, while anguished families gathered outside hospitals and the charred premises through the night. Preliminary findings indicate that the club had been operating despite repeated warnings over inadequate fire exits, overcrowding, and non-functional safety equipment. Officials said that the management failed to adhere to mandatory compliance guidelines, turning the venue into a “potential hazard” long before the tragedy struck. Police have detained the club’s owners, manager, and event coordinators for questioning, and a case has been registered under sections relating to culpable homicide and endangering public safety.
The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry and directed district authorities to conduct immediate fire safety audits across all entertainment venues, including nightclubs, restaurants, and beachside shacks. Chief Ministerial officials visited the site and assured swift action, promising that those responsible would be held fully accountable. Rescue teams continued combing the debris on Wednesday to ensure no missing person remained untraced, even as hospitals reported several survivors in critical condition. The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage, with citizens and local groups calling for stricter enforcement and routine inspections to prevent such disasters in the future.
