The District Magistrate of South Goa has issued a strict order prohibiting the use, bursting, ignition, or operation of fireworks, pyrotechnic devices, sparklers, flame effects, smoke effects, and any similar fire or smoke-producing devices inside tourist establishments across the district.
This ban covers all nightclubs, bars and restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, resorts, beach shacks, temporary structures, event venues, and entertainment establishments, and applies to all organisers, event managers, institutions, and individuals involved in events at these locations.
The order follows a recent fire incident at a nightclub in North Goa, which resulted in the death of 25 people. The fire was reportedly caused by electrical fireworks used during an indoor event.
The report notes that indoor use of such devices greatly increases the risk of fire outbreaks, dense smoke accumulation, stampede-like situations, injuries, disruption of public order, and obstruction to safe evacuation. Immediate preventive measures have therefore been deemed necessary to protect public safety.
Meanwhile, the Goa police have detained Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives on Saturday. The state police had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gupta and another owner Surinder Kumar Khosla.
Informing about the detention, the spokesperson of the Goa Police said, this is the sixth person to be held in connection with the case. The police official said, Gupta will soon be placed under arrest after the completion of formalities to bring him to Goa.
Two more owners of the nightclub – Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra – are on the run and a blue corner notice has been issued against them.
The police have so far arrested five persons in the case, including the nightclub’s chief general manager, general manager and bar manager.
