New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Goa Police have issued a lookout notice for the elusive nightclub proprietors, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra of 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Officials indicated that the accused fled Goa shortly after the tragic incident and are believed to be attempting to escape the country. Consequently, all airports and police stations nationwide have been put on high alert.

According to Goa Police, the lookout notice was deemed necessary due to strong suspicions regarding the duo's potential flight abroad.

In the meantime, four individuals connected to the incident were brought before the Bardez District Court late Sunday night, where they were remanded to six days of police custody.

Currently held at the Anjuna Police Station lock-up, these individuals have been interrogated for nearly eight hours about the fire incident and the whereabouts of the absent owners.

In a related development, Goa Police, supported by the Delhi Police, apprehended a man named Bhola in connection with the missing owners. Investigators are probing his connections to the nightclub and the Luthra brothers. The Delhi Police are actively collaborating with their Goa counterparts as the investigation unfolds.

Additionally, the person overseeing club operations has also been arrested. A police team traveled from Goa to Delhi to secure Bhola’s custody, and he is now en route back to Goa for further questioning.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

The fire at Arpora's Birch by Romeo Lane tragically claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members, with the identities of seven victims still unconfirmed. Six others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.

In a post on X, PM Modi commented, "The fire incident in Arpora, Goa, is profoundly distressing. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. I wish for a swift recovery for the injured. I spoke with Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is offering all possible support to those impacted."

The Prime Minister's Office confirmed, "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased in the Arpora mishap. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000."

The fire broke out around midnight on Sunday at Birch by Romeo Lane, a club in the bustling Baga area, known for attracting large crowds due to its proximity to one of Goa's most popular beaches.

Police officials suspect that the blaze was triggered by a cylinder explosion within the club.

The sudden blast likely left little time for those inside, many of whom were staff members, to escape.

Firefighters from multiple stations were quickly dispatched, battling the flames well into the early hours of Sunday.

Rescue teams continued their operations until dawn, meticulously searching through debris for survivors and managing residual hotspots.

Authorities confirmed that many of the deceased were employees present at the club during the incident. Senior officials, including the Director General of Police and teams from North Goa district, arrived at the scene promptly to oversee rescue and relief efforts.