Goa Court Grants Bail to Nightclub Managers Amid Fire Tragedy

Court Decision on Nightclub Fire Incident

A Goa court has approved bail for two nightclub managers arrested following a devastating fire that resulted in 25 fatalities earlier this month. However, the court denied a similar request from the establishment's general manager.

The tragic incident occurred around midnight on December 7 at a nightclub named Birch by Romeo Lane, situated near Baga beach, a well-known tourist destination in Goa. Among the deceased were twenty staff members and five tourists.

Initial investigations indicated that the fire was ignited by 'electric firecrackers' used within the club premises.

On Tuesday, District Judge DV Patkar granted bail to Rajveer Singhania, the bar manager, and Priyanshu Thakur, the gate manager, while rejecting the bail plea of general manager Vivek Singh.

All three individuals were taken into custody on December 7.

The legal representative for Singhania and Thakur stated that the court imposed strict conditions for their bail, including a prohibition on influencing or threatening any individuals involved in the case. They are also required to seek permission before leaving India.

Additionally, they must remain accessible for questioning and report to the investigating officer or the Anjuna police station monthly until the chargesheet or final report is submitted.

In a related development, a Goa court extended the police custody of the nightclub owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, for an additional five days. The brothers were in Delhi at the time of the fire and later traveled to Thailand. While police accused them of fleeing, they asserted that their trip was for business purposes.

On December 16, they were deported from Thailand and taken into custody upon their arrival in Delhi.