The North Goa Additional Sessions Court on Thursday granted inter im protection from arrest to Raghuvir Bagkar, the suspended Panchayat Sec retary of the Arpora-Nagoa Village Panchayat and Ros han Redkar, the Sarpanch, in connection with the in vestigation into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire case. The court also issued notices to the An juna Police, seeking their response to the duo’s antic ipatory bail applications. Appearing for Redkar, Advocates N Sardessai and S Prabhudessai argued that the Sarpanch had no direct role in the incident. “It is a collective decision to grant a licence. When we learned that the club promoters were engaging in illegali ties, we issued a notice and provided a hearing,” coun sel submitted.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“We acted strictly as per law. However, the other side approached the Director of Panchayats, a quasi-judicial au thority, and obtained a stay, which has nothing to do with us,” counsel further submitted. According to the order issued by Additional Sessions Judge Dvijple V Patkar, Bagkar and Redkar will be released on execution of a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and one lo cal surety of the same amount, in the event of arrest. They have been directed not to threaten, influence, or induce an yone connected to the case, tamper with evidence, or inter fere with witnesses. Both are prohibited from leaving Goa and must appear before the Investigating Officer whenever summoned. The interim order will remain in force until the next hearing on December 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. Representing Bagkar, Advocate K Poulekar said, “The court has granted interim relief to Bagkar. In the event of his arrest, he must be immediately released on bail.” However, Public Prosecutor J Santamaria opposed the interim anticipatory bail, citing the gravity of the offenc es and the deaths of 23 to 25 persons. She argued that the club had been operating illegally and that the applicants bore responsibility for the violations. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that Bagkar would be arrested if he continued to remain uncooperative. He also stressed that the trade licence issued by the Arpora Sarpanch had formed the basis for the club promoters to secure additional permissions. Redkar had earlier been summoned by Anjuna Police af ter it was confirmed he was the Sarpanch when the licence was issued. Large crowds of supporters gathered outside the police station on Sunday, prompting officers to refrain from detaining him. He subsequently approached the court for anticipatory bail. Further hearing in the matter has been scheduled for Friday
