Nightclub
Authorities have frozen bank accounts linked to a popular Goa club following a deadly blaze that killed 25 people. Pexels

A devastating blaze at a popular Goa nightclub has led investigators to a staggering discovery of hidden wealth.

Authorities froze bank accounts linked to the venue after uncovering ₹ 22 crore (£1.76 million) in 'black money' during their follow-up enquiries. This development shifts the focus from a tragic accident to a massive financial investigation involving suspected illicit funds.

On Sunday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed that the company behind Birch by Romeo Lane—the Goa club where 25 lives were lost in a blaze last year—accumulated ₹ 22 crore (roughly £1.76 million) in earnings throughout the previous two fiscal years. Officials believe this income constitutes 'proceeds of crime' under anti-money laundering regulations.

According to the agency, the club generated this income despite reportedly failing to obtain essential legal authorisations and operating with fraudulent paperwork. On 23 January, investigators searched nine different properties throughout Goa, Delhi, and Gurugram as part of their ongoing inquiry.

The Tragic Incident in Arpora

On 6 December 2025, a horrific blaze tore through the club in the village of Arpora during a dance event, resulting in 25 deaths and leaving almost 50 people hurt.

The ED released a statement explaining that its inspections uncovered 'serious irregularities in statutory compliance,' including the issuance of permits with fake paperwork and the operation without required permissions. This inquiry established that the venue brought in ₹ 22 crore (£1.76 million) throughout the 2024 and 2025 financial years.

'These funds are prima facie suspected to constitute proceeds of crime,' the department remarked, claiming that vast sums were shifted to individual accounts and related companies. A number of bank holdings believed to hold these criminal profits are currently frozen under the PMLA.

Additionally, the agency noted finding records of overseas payments made through related firms and is investigating if other statutes were broken. Part of this inquiry involves checking for any signs of corruption related to the money laundering activity.

Arrests and International Pursuit

This money-laundering probe is based on two police reports lodged in Goa. Authorities have detained eight suspects so far, including the club's owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. It is alleged that the brothers escaped to Thailand shortly after the fire occurred; however, they were deported on 17 December and are now being held in judicial custody, according to a report by Money Control.

Investigators targeted the properties of ex-sarpanch Roshan Redkar and former secretary Raghuvir Bagkar during their raids. These two are accused of enabling the venue to get illegal licences and paperwork. They have since been arrested by police officers in connection with the case.

Officials looked into the role of British owner Surinder Kumar Khosla regarding the alleged illegal transformation of the protected wetlands the nightclub occupied. As he is not in the country, an international Red Notice has been issued to locate him.

A History of Violations

Earlier this month, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the state assembly that the venue had been known by various names throughout its history. He confirmed that the government would investigate legal breaches dating back to 1999.

Meanwhile, an official inquiry into the blaze has suggested the local panchayat was complicit, claiming it neglected its legal responsibilities by permitting the club to stay open without a proper trade permit.

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