‘Deeply shaken by tragic loss of lives’: Absconding Goa nightclub owner's first statement

NEW DELHI: A day after the tragic fire at Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, one of the absconding club’s owners, Saurabh Luthra, issued his first public statement on Monday, saying he was “deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives”.

The massive fire, which claimed 25 lives, has prompted the government to intensify its crackdown on the nightclub chain, tightening scrutiny around its operations. Goa Police have issued a lookout notice against the absconding owners following allegations that the establishment was granted a licence without the required documentation.

One of the owners, Saurabh Luthra, in a statement on Instagram, expressed grief and said the management is “deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives”, as he condoled the deaths.

"The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch. In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity," he posted on Instagram.