**SEO Title:** Former Goa Panchayat Secretary Arrested After Nightclub Fire
**Meta Description:** Raghuvir Bagkar, ex-secretary of Arpora Panchayat, arrested following a deadly nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives.
**URL Slug:** goa-panchayat-secretary-arrested-nightclub-fire
**Headline:** Arrest of Former Goa Panchayat Secretary Linked to Deadly Nightclub Fire
On Friday, Raghuvir Bagkar, the former panchayat secretary of Arpora Panchayat in Goa, was arrested following his removal from service after a tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub that resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals last month. His arrest occurred after a magistrate denied his request for anticipatory bail, making him a significant person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the December 6, 2025, incident.
A magisterial inquiry initiated by the Goa government has identified several critical issues, including forgery, violations of trade license regulations, and illegal construction, as contributing factors to the catastrophic fire. Notably, the inquiry revealed that Bagkar permitted the nightclub to operate despite its trade license having expired. This finding was highlighted in an investigation by India Today, which scrutinized the issuance of the trade license and the panchayat’s role in allowing the establishment to continue its operations.
The inquiry pointed out a significant failure in oversight, as the expired license should have prompted the nightclub’s closure. Investigators discovered that the trade license was granted through expedited processes that bypassed necessary protocols. The committee specifically noted the rapid approval and the lack of verification regarding the adequacy of documents submitted by the club’s owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra.
Furthermore, the report indicated that Bagkar, in his official capacity, approved land use for the nightclub based on a non-existent house number. This fictitious address allowed the Birch by Romeo Lane operators to evade checks intended to confirm the legitimacy of the premises. The committee also uncovered that nearby shops and tenements were illegally constructed on protected salt pan land, with Bagkar allegedly permitting these developments despite clear violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
In connection with the tragedy, several arrests have been made, including that of the Luthra brothers. After fleeing India and arriving in Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the fire, they were detained for overstaying their visas. Following their detention, Indian authorities suspended their passports, facilitating their deportation. They were arrested by a Goa Police team upon their return to New Delhi.
In conclusion, the arrest of Raghuvir Bagkar marks a significant development in the investigation into the nightclub fire, highlighting serious lapses in regulatory oversight and accountability within local governance.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What led to the arrest of Raghuvir Bagkar?**
A: Raghuvir Bagkar was arrested due to his involvement in allowing the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub to operate with an expired trade license, contributing to a fire that killed 25 people.
