Goa police file second charge sheet in Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire case

Goa Police File Second Charge Sheet in Nightclub Fire Case

Goa police file second charge sheet – Goa police file second charge: In a major legal development, authorities in Goa have submitted a second charge sheet in the aftermath of the tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village, which occurred on the night of December 6–7, 2025. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 25 lives—five tourists and 20 staff members—has intensified scrutiny over the establishment’s operations and the culpability of its owners. The second charge sheet, now under review, aims to strengthen the legal case against those responsible for the disaster, which has already triggered multiple criminal investigations.

Background of the Incident and Initial Charges

The fire broke out in the early hours of December 7, 2025, engulfing the premises of Birch by Romeo Lane, a venue that operated without proper licensing. Investigations revealed that the club had secured an excise licence through a fabricated no-objection certificate from the local health centre, a critical document required for legal operation. The initial charge sheet, filed on the same day, accused the Luthra brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh, along with their business partner Ajay Gupta, of negligence under Sections 105, 125(a) and (b), and 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These charges highlighted the failure to adhere to safety standards, contributing to the disaster’s severity.

“The accused’s actions were not just negligent but a calculated disregard for human life, which led to the collapse of the entire structure and the loss of 25 innocent lives,”

stated an official statement released alongside the first charge sheet. The investigation also implicated Dinesh Khera, an excise department clerk, and Gauresh Gawas, for their roles in facilitating the licensing process. The case has since evolved, with the Goa police file second charge sheet introducing new allegations of forgery and cheating, further complicating the legal narrative.

Expanded Legal Allegations and Evidence

The second charge sheet, comprising 2,306 pages, meticulously outlines the chain of events leading to the fire. It details how the Luthra brothers and Gupta had manipulated documents to obtain the excise licence, potentially violating safety regulations. The evidence gathered includes witness testimonies, fire investigation reports, and financial records showing discrepancies in the licensing process. Additionally, the charge sheet emphasizes the owners’ failure to install essential safety equipment, such as fire alarms and emergency exits, which could have mitigated the tragedy.

“The negligence of the accused was compounded by their deliberate misrepresentation, which allowed the nightclub to operate in a hazardous condition for months prior to the incident,”

noted the investigating team. The document also highlights the panic caused by the sudden collapse of the building, which trapped numerous individuals inside. With 50 witnesses now formally recorded, the case has amassed a robust body of evidence, underscoring the systematic failures that led to the catastrophe.

The second charge sheet further alleges that the Luthra brothers fled to Thailand immediately after the incident to evade accountability. Their repatriation to India, facilitated by an Interpol notice and the suspension of their passports, has allowed the investigation to proceed without hindrance. The legal team has compiled a timeline of the club’s operations, including its illegal status and the lack of adherence to fire safety norms, which will be presented in court to establish a clear link between the owners’ actions and the disaster.

Goa police file second charge sheet has also prompted calls for stricter regulatory oversight. Critics argue that the incident exposed loopholes in the licensing process, enabling establishments like Birch by Romeo Lane to operate without adequate safety measures. The charge sheet serves as a pivotal document in the ongoing legal battles, as it will determine the severity of charges and potential penalties for the accused. With the case now in its second phase, the focus remains on proving intent and negligence beyond doubt.