08 December,2025 07:01 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Charred remains at the nightclub where a fire broke out. File Pic/PTI
Former corporator and BJP leader Narayan Pawar has called on the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to carry out a comprehensive fire safety audit of all major establishments in the city, following the deadly nightclub fire in Goa that claimed at least 25 lives on Saturday night, reported the PTI.
In a letter to Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao on Monday, Narayan Pawar highlighted the need to inspect schools, colleges, hotels, clubs, malls, hospitals, IT parks, and government offices.
He noted that many bars and clubs operate in older or converted buildings, while crowded malls often have shops in unauthorised or open spaces.
Narayan Pawar also raised concerns about encroachments blocking fire brigade access and urged strict and immediate action against any clubs, hotels, or hospitals operating without a valid fire NOC (No-Objection Certificate), according to the PTI.
The BJP leader's move comes as authorities across India review safety protocols following the Goa nightclub disaster, emphasising the importance of preventive measures to protect citizens.
Meanwhile, the Goa government on Monday announced the formation of a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the massive fire that engulfed a nightclub, resulting in the death of 25 people, as per the PTI.
Officials stated that fireworks are suspected to be the primary cause of the blaze, which took place at 'Birch by Romeo Lane', a popular party venue located in Arpora village, approximately 25 kilometres from Panaji. The tragedy claimed the lives of 20 nightclub employees and five tourists late on Saturday night.
The inquiry committee was constituted through an order issued by Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Naik, with North Goa District Collector Ankit Yadav appointed as chairperson. The other members include South Goa Superintendent of Police Tikam Singh Verma, Director of Forensic Sciences Ashutosh Apte, and Rajendra Halarnkar, Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, the news agency reported.
According to the order, the committee will examine the sequence of events leading up to the fire, verify the compliance of all statutory licences, and identify any lapses. It will also determine accountability of the agencies or departments responsible and recommend preventive and corrective measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The committee has the authority to call for records, documents, and other evidence from relevant departments and is empowered to summon individuals concerned as part of the investigation.
The police have already arrested several key personnel linked to the nightclub, including chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur. Owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra are yet to be arrested in connection with the incident, according to the PTI.
(with PTI inputs)
