Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) leaders and social activ ists have demanded a high-level independent probe—either by the CBI or a retired High Court judge—into the December 7 Ar pora club fire that killed 25 peo ple, alleging the tragedy was the direct result of widespread cor ruption in the name of devel opment, systematic regulatory failures, and illegal construction driven by collusion between government authorities and private interests. They further demanded ex emplary punishment for those responsible for the tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora. Addressing a press confer ence at Azad Maidan in the city, GBA convenor Dr Sabina Martins said, “We have repeat edly pointed out violations by authorities, but today we stand here mourning the death of 25 people because of these il legalities. This tragedy is the outcome of blatant corruption and criminal collusion of gov ernment authorities. In a sys tem where violations flourish, disasters become inevitable.” Land conversion, allegedly encouraged by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) De partment, lay at the root of the crisis, she said and added that GBA had consistently flagged violations over the years and warned that unchecked devel opment was endangering lives.
The GBA also alleged that Mhadei river water has been ‘sold’ to Karnataka, while Goa’s roads and ports are being handed over to the Adani Group, warning that Goa’s land, water and identity were being sacrificed for corporate in terests. Meanwhile, social activists have demanded a CBI inquiry or an investigation under the supervision of a retired High Court judge into the Arpora fire, stating that a magisterial inquiry was insufficient given the scale of the tragedy. In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Collec tor and Sub-Divisional Officer, Mapusa, social activist Sanjay Barde alleged that the club continued to oper ate despite multiple demolition notices, environmental violations and complaints regarding unauthorised con struction. He claimed the establishment lacked adequate fire safe ty measures, valid licences and regulatory compliance, and that repeated warnings to authorities were ignored. “This tragedy has shaken the entire country. The serious ness of the case demands a transparent and independent investigation,” Barde said. Another activist, DipeshNaik, said public trust in gov ernment-led inquiries had eroded, citing past incidents such as the Shirgao stampede and the Saligao double murder. “Law and order is deteriorating, and victims do not get justice. A magisterial inquiry is not enough,” Naik said. Activist XencorPolgi criticised the opposition for failing to hold the government accountable. “The opposition has failed the people. Activists are being forced to raise issues of public safety and governance. The government and of ficers must take responsibility,” he said. With the police investigation ongoing, pressure is mounting on authorities to fix accountability and ensure that regulatory failures and illegalities do not result in fur ther loss of life
