Amid mounting public and civil society demands for accounta bility, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the government may initiate a judicial inquiry into the Arpora nightclub fire tragedy once the ongoing Magisterial inquiry report is submitted. Speaking to the media after chair ing a high-level meeting with tour ism stakeholders and senior offi cials, Sawant stated that, based on the inquiry’s findings, notices would be issued to any additional officers whose involvement is established. “The government is committed to full accountability and will not hesi tate to act on the recommendations of the probe, which will be submit ted after seven days,” he added. Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance, Sawant said all illegal con structions, particularly those linked to hospitality and nightlife, would be demolished. He confirmed that the police remain in constant contact with Central investigation agencies and expressed confidence that the absconding Luthra brothers, own ers of Birch by Romeo Lane, will be apprehended soon.
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The Chief Minister emphasised that ‘strict action’ would be taken against any official, “whether IPS or IAS,” found to have exerted pressure to allow illegal operations at the nightclub, and added that even a Minister would not be spared if evidence emerges. At the meeting held at Mantralaya, Porvorim, Sawant directed all departments and tourism stakeholders to strengthen safety standards and implement robust, fu ture-ready mechanisms across Goa’s tourism sector, par ticularly ahead of the peak season. He urged close monitor ing of potential hotspots, including beach belts, waterfalls, and high-footfall areas, ensuring only licensed and compli ant operations function. Sawant highlighted the need for reinforced checks on adventure and water sports, instructing operators to maintain strict adherence to safety norms, includ ing regular inspection of life jackets, equipment, and operational procedures. He also stressed that fire and safety compliance in nightclubs, restaurants, and en tertainment venues must be up to date, while estab lishments serving liquor must operate strictly within authorised timings, with violations attracting licence cancellations. Tourism establishments were instructed to employ staff only after proper police verification, and visitors were reminded to follow lifeguard instructions at designated coastal areas. Sawant noted that Goa remains the only state with trained lifeguards deployed along its coastline year round, ensuring visitor safety. The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of credibility among tourism service providers, warning that touts, bouncers, and operators violating licence conditions, including illegal rent-a-vehicle practices, would face strict action. The meeting was attended by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, DGP Alok Ku mar, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, senior departmental officials, and representatives of tourism stakeholders.
