Whoever found guilty won't be spared: Goa CM Sawant orders magisterial probe into Aprora clubfire incident
Panaji, December 7
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry after twenty-five people were killed in a massive fire at a nightclub in North Goa's Arpora
Speaking to ANI, the Goa CM said that managers of the club and others have already been arrested in the case, and an arrest warrant has been issued against the owners of the club.
"This is an unfortunate day. For the first time in Goa's tourism history, such a big incident of fire has occurred. 25 people died.I reached the spot at 1.30-2 am, local MLA Michael Lobo accompanied me. All officers were also present there. Fire was doused within half an hour, but the club where this happened, some people could rush out of it, but some others could not," CM Sawant said.
CM added that a few people died of suffocation. "As per preliminary information, four people were tourists, and the rest were employees at the club. I express my condolences over their demise and express sympathies to their families. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace."
"They will be provided compensation by the Government. 6 people who are in the hospital are being given the best medical treatment at Goa Medical College. I have spoken with the Dean of the College. We have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. What permissions the club obtained and who granted them will be inquired into," he added.
Goa CM said that it is to be seen whether the fire safety norms and building construction norms were followed.
An arrest warrant has been issued against the club owners. Managers and others have already been arrested. Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars. PM Modi called me up this morning and asked for all details. He also asked for details on the injured. I briefed the PM in detail...Goa Govt will take all steps to ensure that such an incident never happens in future," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased in the fire mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured will be given Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
At least 25 people were killed after a major fire broke out at a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora on Sunday.
The blaze was reported around midnight, and emergency teams rushed to the spot. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the compensation from the PM and state is necessary, it can never replace a life. The real issue is the blatant disregard for safety norms. How many clubs and restaurants operate without proper fire exits? This is a wake-up call for pan-India safety audits of all crowded places. Thoughts with the families.
"Whoever is found guilty won't be spared" – we hear this after every tragedy. The question is, who gave the permissions? The magisterial inquiry must name names in the municipality and fire department who looked the other way. Corruption in granting licenses costs lives. Time for real accountability, not just arresting managers.
So saddened by this news. Goa is our go-to holiday spot. It's terrifying to think such a thing can happen. I hope the injured recover fully. The government must ensure the medical treatment is top-class as promised. Also, Rs. 2 lakhs is too little for a life. The compensation should be reviewed.
A respectful criticism: The CM says he reached the spot at 1:30-2 am after a fire reported at midnight. While his presence is important, the focus should be on why preventive measures failed. Proactive safety enforcement is better than reactive visits after disaster strikes. Hope this inquiry leads to systemic change.
This is why we need stricter laws with personal liability for owners and officials. Arrest warrants for owners are a good first step. But what about the families? They need long-term support, not just one-time ex-gratia. Government should guarantee jobs for dependents of the deceased employees. J
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.