The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a major step in the Goa nightclub fire case by provisionally attaching immovable properties valued at ₹11.01 crore. This action, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targets the owners of the establishment known as Birch by Romeo Lane. Located in Arpora, the venue was at the center of a catastrophic fire on December 6, 2025, which resulted in 25 fatalities.
According to officials from the ED Panaji Zonal Office, the total value of assets frozen or attached in this case has now climbed to approximately ₹29.05 crore. The central agency stepped in following FIRs filed by the Goa Police at Anjuna and Mapusa stations. These complaints named Saurabh Luthra and several associates, accusing them of criminal negligence and widespread administrative fraud.
- Forged documents — The accused allegedly submitted fake Fire NOCs and Police Clearance Certificates to authorities.
- Illegal operations — The venue continued to host events despite its trade license expiring on March 31, 2024.
- Proceeds of crime — Revenue totaling ₹29.78 crore earned between 2023 and 2025 is being treated as illegal gains.
The ED investigation revealed that M/s Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP operated the club without any valid safety approvals. To maintain a facade of legitimacy, the partners reportedly fabricated a Health NOC. During searches conducted on January 23, 2026, investigators recovered digital evidence and incriminating files that detailed the financial trail of the illegal business.
Authorities are now focusing on tracing the remaining financial assets derived from these criminal activities. This latest attachment follows an earlier order that seized ₹17.45 crore. The ED stated that "further action will follow as the probe progresses," aiming to ensure that the financial gains from the tragedy are fully recovered while the legal process against Saurabh Luthra continues.
