Full Breakdown
Goa Nightclub Fire Victims Await Decision on Owners’ Compensation Offer
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Core Event: Owners Propose Ex-Gratia Payment
On September 30 2026, the Bombay High Court in Goa directed the families of the 25 people killed in the December 6 2025 fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub to respond to an offer from the owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, to pay INR15 lakh to each victim’s family. The bench, comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar, adjourned the matter to October 12 to allow families to state their position.
Background & Context: Tragedy, Illegal Operations, and Ongoing Criminal Cases
The fire broke out in the basement kitchen of the Arpora venue, an establishment described in filings as operating without the required licences and fire-safety clearances. A chargesheet filed in February named 13 accused, including the Luthra brothers and their partner Ajay Gupta, under sections covering culpable homicide not amounting to murder, acts endangering human life, negligent conduct involving fire, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The Supreme Court recently refused to stay the High Court’s cancellation of bail for the three accused and ordered them to surrender within two weeks; they subsequently did so before the Additional District and Sessions Court in Mapusa.
Data & Statistics
- Deaths: 25 (including 5 tourists).
- Injuries: More than 50 persons.
- Victims’ occupations: 20 were employees of Being G S Hospitality Arpora LLP; 5 were guest tourists.
- Compensation offered: INR15 lakh per family (ex-gratia, in addition to any government relief).
Official Statements & Responses
- The High Court recorded the owners’ statement and set the October 12 deadline for families to reply.
- Advocate General Devidas Pangam told reporters that the court will consider the owners’ offer alongside any government compensation before determining the final amount.
- The Supreme Court, in its recent order, directed the trial court to expedite framing of charges and asked the accused to surrender, reinforcing the criminal dimension of the case.
What’s Next: Families’ Reply and Pending Determination
Families must submit their response to the compensation proposal by October 12. The High Court will then evaluate the owners’ offer, any government assistance already provided, and the broader criminal proceedings before issuing a final ruling on the appropriate ex-gratia payment.