Goa Nightclub Fire Could Have Been Prevented: IPS Officers Allegedly Blocked Police Action

Panjim: The tragic fire at a Goa nightclub, which claimed lives and caused extensive damage, might have been prevented had senior IPS officers allowed the local police to enforce regulations. According to reports, multiple attempts by police units to verify licenses and safety permits were blocked by higher officials, raising serious questions about administrative oversight.

Police Action Hindered

Local law enforcement, including units from Anjuna Police Station and the Crime Branch, had issued notices to the nightclub owners seeking documentation related to licenses and safety approvals. However, senior IPS officers reportedly instructed the police not to pursue further action, effectively halting investigations that could have uncovered critical safety violations.

During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, then Anjuna Inspector Prashal Desai requested license details from the nightclub, but a senior IPS officer directed him to drop the matter. Later, Deputy SP Rajesh Kumar of the Crime Branch also faced similar instructions when he sent notices to the club. Even in August 2024, when Inspector Paresh Naik filed FIRs against five nightclubs for excessively loud music, enforcement was pressured to remain lenient. Former Deputy SP Sandesh Chodankar, who investigated the matter, reportedly faced heavy pressure from higher officials to let the club owners off the hook.

Links to Officials Under Scrutiny

Sources indicate that a detailed examination of call records of current and former IPS officers may reveal direct links between senior officials and nightclub owners, raising serious concerns about potential negligence or collusion.

Government Response and Suspensions

In response to the growing controversy, Goa Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate questioned whether IAS and IPS officials would face the same stringent action as other suspended government officials. So far, the government has suspended three officials in connection with regulatory failures: former Panchayat Director Siddhi Harlakar, ex-member secretary of Goa State Pollution Control Board Shamila Moteiro, and former secretary of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat Raghuvir Bagkar.

The incident has sparked calls for stricter accountability and raised urgent concerns about administrative lapses in enforcing safety regulations, which may have contributed to the tragic nightclub fire.