New Delhi/Goa, December 13, 2025

A Delhi woman, Bhavna Joshi, is seeking justice after a tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa claimed the lives of her husband Vinod Kumar and her three sisters, Kamla, Anita, and Saroj Joshi. The devastating incident occurred last Saturday night in Arpora village, North Goa, killing 25 people and injuring six others. Bhavna, who was also present, survived but sustained injuries.

Recalling the horrifying moments, Bhavna said the fire started small but quickly grew uncontrollable. “We were enjoying ourselves. Everything was normal. Suddenly, there was fire. In seconds, it became huge, and my husband and sisters were trapped. I saw everything,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Authorities have indicated that the blaze was likely triggered by electrically detonated pyroguns during a belly dancing performance. A combination of factors, including inadequate exits, a thatched roof, stacked alcohol, and safety lapses, caused the fire to engulf the 300-square-metre club within minutes.

Bhavna has rejected compensation offers from the authorities. “Will two lakh rupees bring back my family? Will it return my sisters? Have some shame. I do not want any compensation. I just want justice,” she stated. Her elderly mother, Meena Joshi, also expressed her grief, saying, “I lost my children. I lost everything in that fire. The culprits must not get away with just a fine or bail. They must face the consequences.”

Relatives have criticized safety negligence at clubs in Goa, warning that lax regulations could endanger others. The victims had been planning a Goa vacation for months, hoping for a peaceful getaway. Vinod accompanied the sisters to ensure their safety during the trip.

Meanwhile, the club owners, Delhi-based entrepreneurs Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Thailand hours after the fire. Investigations revealed they had opened the club using a forged land agreement. Their bail plea in Delhi was rejected, and Goa authorities are coordinating with central agencies to bring them back. A joint investigation team will take custody of the brothers, likely next week, to confront them over the violations and negligence.

Twenty of the victims were club staffers, and five were tourists. A parallel magisterial inquiry has summoned officials who approved the club’s operations to depose before the inquiry committee. Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances that allowed such a deadly fire to occur, while the victims’ families demand accountability and justice.

This tragedy underscores the critical need for strict enforcement of safety standards and timely inspections at public entertainment venues to prevent future disasters.

[13/12, 08:56] Jefry Jenifer: Delhi Woman Demands Justice After Losing Husband and Three Sisters in Deadly Goa Nightclub Fire

Bhavna Joshi, a resident of Delhi, is calling for justice after losing her husband Vinod Kumar and her three sisters—Kamla, Anita, and Saroj Joshi—in a tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The fire broke out last Saturday during a party, claiming 25 lives and injuring six others. Bhavna survived with injuries but witnessed the horrifying blaze that engulfed the 300-square-metre club within minutes.

Recalling the incident, Bhavna said, “It was normal at first, then suddenly, fire erupted. In seconds, it became uncontrollable. My husband and sisters were trapped. I saw everything.” The authorities believe electrically detonated pyroguns during a belly dancing performance triggered the fire. Safety lapses, including a thatched roof, stacked alcohol, and insufficient exits, worsened the situation.

Bhavna has refused compensation, saying, “Will two lakh rupees bring back my family? Will it return my sisters? I don’t want money. I want justice.” Her elderly mother, Meena Joshi, added, “I lost everything in that fire. The culprits must not get away with bail or fines. They must face consequences.” Relatives have criticized the lack of safety measures at clubs, warning that negligence could cost more lives.

The club’s Delhi-based owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Thailand hours after the incident. Investigations revealed they opened the club with a forged land agreement. Their bail plea was rejected in Delhi, and Goa police, coordinating with central agencies, are set to bring them back. A joint investigation team will confront them early next week.

Twenty of the victims were staffers, and five were tourists. Authorities have also summoned officials who approved the club’s operations for a magisterial inquiry. Families continue to demand accountability, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety regulations at public venues to prevent such tragedies.