Panaji (Goa) [India], December 10 : Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday described the recent fire incident involving the Birch by Romeo Lane establishment as a "very tragic episode", stressing the need for clear accountability and a fact-based inquiry into the matter.
Speaking to reporters, Khaunte clarified that the fire occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, an outlet not under the Tourism Department's purview because it was not registered with the department.
"What happened (fire incident) is a very tragic episode. This particular episode occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, which did not fall under the purview of the Tourism Department for registration purposes. Everyone who was there needs to be made accountable, and action needs to be initiated...," he said.
He added that the previously demolished Romeo Lane structure in Vagator was a different entity altogether and had been brought down due to its illegality.
"The Romeo Lane, which we have demolished due to its illegality, is in Vagator. There are two distinct constituents, two distinct parts... In the fire incident, an inquiry has already been set up, but this inquiry needs to come out with a proper factual report," he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the district administration demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane, where a fire tragedy claimed 25 lives on Sunday.
Earlier today, ahead of the demolition drive, Deputy Director of Goa Tourism, Dhiraj Wagale, said, "We will demolish the encroachment on the beach side. The total area to be demolished is 198 square metres."
The massive blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident. The Goa government formed a committee to investigate the incident.