DEHRADUN: The devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa on Sunday claimed the lives of five men from Uttarakhand, with investigators now confirming that most victims died from suffocation rather than burns. The Goa nightclub fire, which unfolded late Sunday night, has triggered outrage across states as families grapple with the sudden loss of loved ones.
Officials involved in the inquiry revealed that 25 bodies were recovered from the underground kitchen area, where the blaze and smoke were most intense. Of these, 23 showed no external burn injuries, indicating that a rapid depletion of oxygen led to asphyxiation. Only two victims suffered severe burns.
Meanwhile, police have arrested four individuals linked to the nightclub’s operations, and a fifth accused, identified as the manager overseeing daily functioning, was apprehended in Delhi on Monday. Authorities say further action will follow as forensic teams continue to examine the site.
Uttarakhand employees among those who perished
The tragedy has hit Uttarakhand particularly hard. Five men employed at the nightclub were among those who died:
Jitendra (21), son of Santa Singh from Sankuld, Tehri Garhwal.
Satish Rana (26), son of Surendra Singh Rana from Changa Doliya, Tehri Garhwal.
Manish (23), son of Krishan Singh Mahar from Netr Salan, Champawat.
Surendra (38), son of Amar Singh from Simali, Jamaradi Baira, Pithoragarh.
Sumit Negi, originally from Garhwal, also working at the establishment.
Families of the victims say the men had taken up work in Goa to support households back home. Many were primary earners whose unexpected loss has left families in financial and emotional turmoil.
Tourists from Uttarakhand also among casualties
Several Uttarakhand residents visiting Goa as tourists were also killed in the inferno.
Among them:
Anita Joshi, Ranikhet
Saroj Joshi, Ranikhet
Kamla Joshi, Ranikhet
Vinod Kumar, husband of Bhavna from Ranikhet
Their bodies have been formally identified and handed over to the families.
A family shattered: The story of 24-year-old Satish
One of the most heart-rending stories is that of 24-year-old Satish, another Uttarakhand resident killed in the fire. A native of Tehri Garhwal, Satish had taken up employment in Goa to support his parents and younger brother, who is still pursuing his studies.
Relatives said Satish was the sole breadwinner. His two sisters are married, and the agricultural income of the household was insufficient to sustain the family’s needs. Villagers described him as responsible, hardworking and deeply committed to uplifting his family.
“The news has numbed the entire village. Satish carried his family’s hopes on his shoulders,” a neighbour said.
Tehri MLA Kishore Upadhyay contacted the Chief Minister soon after the incident and assured the family that they would receive all possible government assistance. Local representatives have urged authorities to extend financial relief and ensure strict legal action against those responsible.
Wider concerns surface over nightclub safety
The incident has raised pressing questions about fire-safety compliance in popular tourist hubs such as Goa. The underground kitchen where the victims were found is now a central focus of the probe, with investigators examining whether the area had proper ventilation, emergency exits or fire suppression systems.
A senior police officer involved in the inquiry said, “The circumstances suggest serious lapses in safety measures. We are investigating each liability, and arrests so far indicate that more accountability may follow.”
Families of the victims have echoed similar sentiments, demanding that the state government enforce stringent checks on all establishments operating in crowded or enclosed spaces.
State governments step in:
Authorities in Uttarakhand have contacted their counterparts in Goa to coordinate support for grieving families. Local administrations across the affected districts have begun the process of facilitating compensation, transportation of bodies and counselling services where required.
Community groups have also started mobilising help, with many residents offering donations and logistical support for last rites.
As further investigations unfold, the tragic incident continues to draw national attention, highlighting once again the need for rigorous enforcement of fire and building safety norms in commercial establishments.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
