Dec. 8 (UPI) — Four people have been arrested and three government officials suspended in connection with a deadly nightclub fire in India’s southwestern coastal state of Goa that killed more than two dozen people over the weekend.
Twenty-five people were killed and six were injured during the fire that erupted early Sunday at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. The Indian Express reported the deceased were four tourists and 21 staff members.
Goa Police have arrested the nightclub general manger and three staffers, while warrants have been issued for the nigh club’s owners as well as its manager and event organizers, public broadcaster All India Radio News reported.
Meanwhile, three government officials have been suspended over lapses in granting operating permits to the nightclub.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has vowed to hold those responsible to account and has launched a magisterial inquiry into the fire.
Sawant had earlier announced a death toll of 23, which he later updated to 25.
He said in a post on Facebook that the six people injured were in stable condition and “receiving the best medical care.”
The inquiry he ordered “will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed,” he said.
“Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law — any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has spoken with Sawant about the fire.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said in a statement. “The state government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
