In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the December 2025 fire tragedy at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, Goa, former sarpanch Roshan Redkar surrendered before a local court on Thursday, a day after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court.
Redkar, who was the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat when the fire broke out, appeared before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Mapusa. The fire had claimed the lives of 25 people and triggered a statewide outcry over regulatory lapses in commercial establishments.
Earlier, Redkar had moved the Additional District Court in Mapusa seeking protection from arrest, but his plea was turned down. He then approached the high court, which on Wednesday also dismissed his application for pre-arrest bail, paving the way for his surrender.
Redkar has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder)
- Section 125 (Endangering life or personal safety of others)
- Section 287 (Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter)
Officials said these charges stem from his alleged role in facilitating illegal licences for the nightclub, which reportedly operated in violation of fire and safety norms.
Following his implication in the case, the Directorate of Panchayats disqualified Redkar from his post. The action came after the Goa Police named him in the FIR for alleged collusion with panchayat officials to enable unlawful permissions.
Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar has also been arrested for allegedly working in tandem with Redkar in granting licences to the nightclub, despite multiple statutory violations. Both are accused of serious lapses in due diligence and of enabling operations without ensuring compliance with safety standards.
The police have so far arrested nine individuals in connection with the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of December 6. The nightclub, located in the popular beach belt, was reportedly overcrowded and lacked adequate fire exits.
The tragedy has sparked widespread criticism of lax enforcement in Goa’s hospitality sector, especially in tourist hotspots. The government has since initiated a crackdown on commercial establishments operating without valid licences or violating fire safety protocols.
The ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ fire has emerged as one of the worst man-made disasters in recent memory in Goa. Investigations have pointed to overcrowding, use of flammable materials, and alleged collusion between panchayat officials and nightclub owners as key factors behind the tragedy.
The case continues to draw public attention amid calls for accountability, systemic reforms, and justice for the victims’ families.
In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the December 2025 fire tragedy at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, Goa, former sarpanch Roshan Redkar surrendered before a local court on Thursday, a day after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court.
Redkar, who was the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat when the fire broke out, appeared before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Mapusa. The fire had claimed the lives of 25 people and triggered a statewide outcry over regulatory lapses in commercial establishments.
Earlier, Redkar had moved the Additional District Court in Mapusa seeking protection from arrest, but his plea was turned down. He then approached the high court, which on Wednesday also dismissed his application for pre-arrest bail, paving the way for his surrender.
Redkar has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder)
- Section 125 (Endangering life or personal safety of others)
- Section 287 (Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter)
Officials said these charges stem from his alleged role in facilitating illegal licences for the nightclub, which reportedly operated in violation of fire and safety norms.
Following his implication in the case, the Directorate of Panchayats disqualified Redkar from his post. The action came after the Goa Police named him in the FIR for alleged collusion with panchayat officials to enable unlawful permissions.
Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar has also been arrested for allegedly working in tandem with Redkar in granting licences to the nightclub, despite multiple statutory violations. Both are accused of serious lapses in due diligence and of enabling operations without ensuring compliance with safety standards.
The police have so far arrested nine individuals in connection with the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of December 6. The nightclub, located in the popular beach belt, was reportedly overcrowded and lacked adequate fire exits.
The tragedy has sparked widespread criticism of lax enforcement in Goa’s hospitality sector, especially in tourist hotspots. The government has since initiated a crackdown on commercial establishments operating without valid licences or violating fire safety protocols.
The ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ fire has emerged as one of the worst man-made disasters in recent memory in Goa. Investigations have pointed to overcrowding, use of flammable materials, and alleged collusion between panchayat officials and nightclub owners as key factors behind the tragedy.
The case continues to draw public attention amid calls for accountability, systemic reforms, and justice for the victims’ families.
