Goa Probes Nightclub Fire, Seals 22 Establishments Over Violations Since 1999

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a probe into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire that killed 25 people, revealing the club operated under different names since 1999 and had multiple violations. Following inspections of 86 coastal establishments, 22 were sealed for lacking fire licenses and environmental clearances. Authorities arrested former Arpora panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar over alleged license lapses and irregular approvals. The government is cracking down on illegal tourism operations and enforcing Coastal Regulation Zone rules amid opposition demands for accountability.