"Magistrate's inquiry report to be submitted in 8 days": Goa CM Pramod Sawant on nightclub fire incident

Panaji (Goa) [India], December 10 (ANI): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday initiated a magistrate inquiry into the nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives. The inquiry report is expected within eight days, after which strict action will be taken against those responsible.
Speaking with ANI, he said that an audit committee has been appointed to review safety protocols at clubs and entertainment venues across Goa.
"We have initiated a magistrate inquiry. The report of the inquiry will be submitted within eight days. Then we will take strict action against them. To conduct the audit, we have appointed an audit committee under the Revenue Secretary. They will audit the various types of clubs here...," said Sawant.
The goverment has also assigned the Magisterial Enforcement Committee to duty and has shortlisted high-footfall areas in the coastal belt. The committee will personally visit those areas and close any clubs or restaurants found to be committing major violations.
This move is part of the government's efforts to ensure safety measures are enforced, particularly ahead of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
"We have also assigned the magisterial enforcement committee to duty and have shortlisted high-footfall areas in the coastal belt. The committee will personally visit those areas. Restaurants and clubs found committing major violations will be closed for a few days. Our primary concern is that these places should have fire safety equipment. I would like to inform tourists visiting on December 25 and 31 that only government-verified safe places will be open. This will be done to reduce the panic situation in the state," he added.
Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that 25 people lost their lives in a devastating nightclub fire in Arpora, North Goa, with six people injured and receiving treatment at Goa Medical College. The government has swung into action, with the Home Department, Fire Department, and Administration working together to address the situation.
"Immediately after the fire incident in Goa, the Home Department, Fire Department, and the Administration are actively working. We are trying to save as many lives as possible. The six people who have been admitted are being treated thoroughly at Goa Medical College. The bodies of 25 people are being handed over to their families," he said.
Six arrests have been made so far, and three officials have been suspended for allegedly allowing the nightclub to operate without proper licenses and safety measures.
"We have informed the PM Relief Fund about the accounts of the deceased. Six people have been arrested so far, and those who need to be arrested will be arrested by our Home Police Department. Three people have been suspended by the government," added the Goa CM.
Sawant added, "Our Goa police is in continuous contact with the Government of India agencies. Blue notice has also been issued. Those responsible, with the help of the Government of India, will be behind bars. "
On being asked about the petition filed by the owner club brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra for anticipatory bail, the Goa CM said, "The senior Council of the government of Goa will be present and strictly oppose the bail, we know that in Delhi Rohini Court, they have appealed."
He said the committee will review the restaurants and clubs under 12 criteria. If major violations are found, the restaurant or club will be closed; otherwise, minor irregularities will be allowed to be rectified.
He said, "Well, you need to understand that not every club in Goa is running illegally; there might be some restaurants and clubs which might have some irregularities, and they rectify them on our advice, it's fine, only major violations will lead to the loss of the clubs. We have created an enforcement committee comprising senior scale officers, police officers, fire officers, PWD buildings, and Electricity. The whole team has developed a checklist of 12 items covering fire safety and structural stability. If major violations are found, they will be closed through an order by the DM." (ANI)