Days after the Goa-based nightclub case, where 25 people were killed in a devastating blaze in December last year, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids in Goa and Delhi after it filed a money laundering case against the promoters of the nightclub.
Searches are underway at around eight locations, including the offices and residential premises of brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, as well as those of other persons linked to the case, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials said.
A large inferno unfolded around midnight at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. The fire started from the kitchen area on the ground floor, and rescue and evacuation operations were taken immediately.
“The fire occurred around midnight. It has now been brought under control. The fire was mainly concentrated around the kitchen area on the ground floor. The source and cause of the fire are yet to be ascertained. Teams are engaged in rescue and evacuation. Maximum bodies were retrieved from the kitchen area, suggesting that the victims were employed at the club. Two bodies have been found on the staircase,” Goa DGP Alok Kumar said, and the Indian Express reported.
“The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Ahead of the lapses in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub that made headlines after the massive blaze incident, the co-owner has claimed that he was merely a “sleeping partner” and was oblivious of the lapses, passing the buck on to owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra.
According to the police FIR, the club was operating without the required permissions or licenses. It further noted that a fire show was held at the venue on Saturday without any fire-safety equipment in place.
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