log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY DECEMBER 11, 2025 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 174 ZP poll ticket tussles lay bare Congress divisions 2 NEWS K'taka govt tables hate speech and crime bill in Assembly 8 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Home treatments for hair volume and length Govt moves to tighten fire safety checks at venues MONITORING, AUDIT PANELS TO ENFORCE NORMS; CM WARNS OF LICENCE CANCELLATIONS, SHUTDOWNS, AND DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In the wake of the devastating nightclub inferno in Arpora that claimed 25 lives and exposed serious safety lapses across Goa’s tourism belt, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday issued a stern warning that tourist establishments flouting fire-safety norms will face licence cancellation, operational shutdown, and even demolition if found to be part of illegal construction. Sawant convened a high-level review meeting with district collectors of North and South Goa, senior police officials, the tourism department, and industry stakeholders, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, to tighten regulatory oversight ahead of the busy Christmas– New Year tourist season. Addressing the media persons after the meeting, the Chief Minister confirmed formation of a Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee as IN SHORT >> 320 in fray for ZP polls after scrutiny PANAJI: Returning Officers across Goa on Wednesday cleared 320 of the 327 nominations filed for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections scheduled on December 20. The scrutiny process found seven nominations invalid.   >> See pg 2 Man held for Vasco chapel vandalism VASCO: In a bizarre latenight incident, a 30-year-old Naval staffer was arrested for allegedly vandalising the St Anthony’s Chapel at New Vaddem, Vasco, damaging the statue of St Anthony and stealing money from the donation box.  >> See pg 5 Cops recall 31 laptops after donor’s arrest PANAJI: The Goa police have withdrawn 31 laptops donated last year after the donor was exposed as fraudster under arrest in a cheating case in Mumbai.  >> See pg 5 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 30 C 21 C 44% SAFETY AUDIT „„Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee and Safety Audit Committee formed; inspections of hotels, clubs, shacks, and other tourism establishments already underway „„Inspection reports to be submitted soon; corrective measures to follow; safety audit aimed to be completed within seven days „„Water sports and adventure tourism: Tighter regulations to prevent accidents well as a Safety Audit Committee, who have already begun inspecting hotels, shacks, clubs, and other tourism-related establishments across the State. Sawant cautioned that Nightclub fire: Govt mulls judicial probe after magisterial report PANAJI: The State government may opt for a judicial inquiry into the Arpora nightclub fire once the Magisterial Committee submits its report. Responding to media questions, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the government will look into that aspect (judicial probe) once the magisterial inquiry is complete. “We have granted eight days to the committee to submit the report,” he said. Sawant said that the investigation is going on and the police are in touch with the Central investigating agencies. “I am confident that the main accused – Luthra brothers would be arrested soon,” he said. In yet another question, Sawant asserted that strict action >Continued on P8 strict punitive action will follow if any violations are detected. “If the committee finds an establishment non-compliant with fire safety requirements, operations will be halted immediately. Licences will be revoked and premises sealed until full compliance is achieved,” he said adding ‘while demolishing all those illegal constructions too’. The Chief Minister stated that inspection reports would Arpora club inferno scorches Goa’s image on global stage INTERNATIONAL MEDIA DISSECTS FIRE RESPONSE, REGULATORY GAPS AND FLEEING CLUB OWNERS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The fatal fire that tore through Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora last weekend has drawn a level of international attention seldom trained on Goa, thrusting the small coastal State back onto global front pages for the wrong reasons. Global media outlets have focused sharply against the backdrop of alleged gross safety violations at the popular after-hours venue, which, until the blaze, was projected as a glamorous draw for tourists. Within hours of the tragedy, major international organisations including the BBC, Sky News, Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, ABC (Australia) and Channel 4 began rolling coverage, each highlighting different strands of the story – from the speed and intensity of the fire to the victims’ profiles, regulatory failures and the GLO BA L ME D I A COV E R AGE „„Reports flagged gross violations of safety norms, including lack of fire exits and other regulatory breaches „„Agencies highlighted the role of venue management, owners, and event organisers, many of whom were arrested „„Eyewitness accounts described crowded dance floors, trapped patrons, and chaotic evacuation attempts „„Coverage emphasised the Luthra brothers’ escape to Thailand amid flight cancellations „„Some outlets called the deaths a 'blow to Goa’s reputation' likely impact on Goa’s tourism industry. Minute-by-minute coverage continues, with particular focus on how the Luthra brothers were able to leave the country on an IndiGo flight even as several other flights of the same airline were cancelled. “Indian authorities ordered an investigation and offered compensation to victims after a fire ripped through a nightclub in Goa, killing 25,” Reuters said in its initial report. “Goa, a small coastal State, is a popular tourist destination, especially among foreigners, offering beaches and hilly landscapes. About 5.5 million tourists, including 271,000 from abroad, visited >Continued on P8 be submitted shortly, after which the government would implement corrective measures based entirely on the committees’ findings. An advisory has already been issued to all operators, and the State aims to complete the safety audit within seven days. Sawant emphasised that the stepped-up enforcement is intended to prevent a repeat of the Arpora tragedy during Goa’s peak tourist season, a period marked by exceptionally high footfall and greater challenges in maintaining safety standards. The government will also tighten regulations for water sports and adventure tourism, sectors that witness a surge in activity during the year-end holidays. Additionally, tourism operators have been instructed to ensure their staffs do not engage in physical altercations with tourists. Mandatory police verification of all employees has also been made compulsory, with >Continued on P8 ARPORA FIRE FALLOUT FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FACTORIES IN STATE RELEASED PANEL SEEKS DOCS BASED ON WHICH PERMISSIONS WERE GRANTED ANJUNA COMUNIDADE ATTORNEY FACES HEAT OVER ‘ILLEGAL’ NOC ACTIVISTS DEMAND JUDICIAL OR CBI PROBE TOURISM MINISTER APPEALS NOT TO CAST STATE IN NEGATIVE LIGHT DETAINED BIRCH COOWNER BROUGHT TO GOA, TAKEN TO ANJUNA PS FOR QUESTIONING >> See pg 3 10 SPORTS India eyes consolidation against South Africa in second T20I 13 Delhi court denies interim protection to Luthra Bros Questions plea as Birch owners remain in Thailand; defence cites business travel, no intent to flee THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Absconding owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, were denied interim protection by a Delhi court on Wednesday, even as they asserted that they had not “fled” to Thailand but travelled there for business purposes. The blaze at the Arpora club last weekend claimed 25 lives, with seven arrests made so far. During proceedings at the Rohini Courts, the Luthra brothers sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail, arguing they feared immediate arrest upon return to India. Their legal representative also indicated plans to approach the Goa courts for further relief. The State, however, requested additional time to file a status report and urged that the matter be adjourned till Friday. Senior Advocate Abhinav Mukerji, representing Goa, told the court that notices of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) had been issued by the competent court in Goa, and that Goa police, when visiting the Luthras’ residence in Delhi, were told by the fami- Luthras suspected to be hiding in Thailand’s tourist district PANAJI: Sources said the absconding Luthra brothers may have chosen to hide in Pa Tong, a tourist-heavy area in Thailand where they could blend in easily with visitors. Officials said Thailand’s hotels usually insist on strict documentation, including biometrics and passport verification, making it harder for fugitives to check in. However, Pa Tong has a higher number of homestays and resorts where checks are comparatively relaxed. Sources said they suspect the brothers may have opted for such accommodation to avoid documentation. The accused had fled to Phuket, Thailand shortly after the fire on December 6 at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub claimed 25 lives. MEA may revoke passports of Luthras NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs is considering revoking the passports of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub following a request from the Goa government on Wednesday. ly that the brothers’ whereabouts were unknown. Additional Sessions Judge Vandana questioned the maintainability of the transit anticipatory bail application, stating that the applicants were not physically in India. “Where are the applicants?” she asked, to which senior >Continued on P8 Goa counts on India-Thailand treaty to bring Luthras back THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI While the Goa government is facing growing pressure to bring back the absconding Luthra brothers to face prosecution in the deadly Birch fire tragedy, officials assert India’s extradition treaty with Thailand gives authorities a strong legal edge. India and Thailand have had an extradition treaty in force since 2015, a pact that allows either “Contracting State” to seek the surrender of a person wanted for trial or for the imposition or enforcement of a sentence. The police believe this significantly strengthens India’s hand if the accused are traced to Thai territory. “With a valid extradition treaty in place, the process is far more straightforward than in countries where no such agreement exists. Legally, there is a clear framework to bring them back,” an official, in the know of the agreement, said. Sources further said the treaty applies to various of- THE EXTRADITION TREATY „„Allows either ‘Contracting State’ to seek the surrender of a person wanted for trial or for the imposition or enforcement of a sentence „„Applies to various offences, including serious crimes and economic offences, provided the alleged crime is punishable under the laws of both countries by at least one year of imprisonment or a more severe penalty „„Request must be routed through diplomatic channels and supported by detailed documentation, including the identity of the accused, facts of the case, applicable laws and the penalties involved „„In urgent situations, the treaty even allows for provisional arrest fences, including serious crimes and economic offences, provided the alleged crime is punishable under the laws of both countries by at least one year of imprisonment or a more severe penalty. The charges contemplated against the Luthra brothers meet that threshold. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs functions as the central authority for extradition, while in Thailand, the Attorney General’s office performs that role. Any extra- dition request must be routed through diplomatic channels and supported by detailed documentation, including the identity of the accused, facts of the case, applicable laws and the penalties involved. “In urgent situations, the treaty even allows for provisional arrest,” the official said adding, “That means the requested country can hold the person while the formal >Continued on P8 DGCA to deploy staff in IndiGo Diwali’s glow goes global with UNESCO heritage tag HQ to monitor cancellations UNESCO RECOGNITION AGENCIES SEEKS DAILY OPERATIONAL REPORTS AND FULL DISRUPTION DATA, COMPENSATION TO PASSENGERS PTI NEW DELHI Aviation watchdog DGCA will station its personnel at IndiGo's headquarters as it steps up oversight on India's largest airline, which continues to cancel dozens of flights despite saying operations have stabilised. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed an oversight team of eight senior captains, and two of them, along with two government officials, will be ON PAGE 5 AAI steps up measures at Dabolim airport as IndiGo crisis triggers disruptions IndiGo disruptions ease as 7 flights cancelled at Dabolim airport stationed at IndiGo's Gurgaon headquarters to monitor cancellation status, crew deployment, unplanned leave, and routes hit by staff shortages. “Both these teams will submit a daily report,” the DGCA said in the two page order. DGCA also summoned IndiGo Chief Executive Pieter Elbers to appear at its office on Thursday and submit a complete report, along with comprehensive data and updates, relating to the recent operational disruptions, according to a statement. Meanwhile, DGCA has decided to carry out immediate >Continued on P8 NEW DELHI ndia's Diwali – the festival of lights – was on Wednesday inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, sparking celebrations to mark the earning of the coveted tag. The decision was taken during a key meeting of UNESCO being hosted at the Red Fort in Delhi. Chants of 'Jai Hind', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' rent the air as UNESCO announced that the celebrated festival has been added to the prestigious list after a discussion by its committee. Artistes dressed in different traditional attire performed in I „„Deepavali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List „„Announcement made during ICH committee session at Red Fort, Delhi „„Deepavali becomes India’s 16th element on the global heritage list „„Festival symbolism: Triumph of good, peace, renewal, shared humanity „„67 global nominations under review; new heritage inclusions announced front of the main stage while images of the Diwali festival played on the big screen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition of Diwali to the UNESCO's In- tangible Heritage List, saying it will contribute to the festival's global popularity. "People in India and around the world are thrilled," PM Modi said in a post on X, responding to a post from UNESCO listing Diwali in its Intangible Heritage List. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat delivered a statement on behalf of the country right after the inscription was announced during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is the sixteenth element from India to be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Fifteen other elements already inscribed on this UNESCO list include the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba dance of Gujarat, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila - the traditional performance of the epic 'Ramayana'. Shekhawat and other members of the Indian contingent sported a traditional headgear to mark the occasion. "Diwali" – the festival of lights – is one of the timeless festivals of India which is also now celebrated in many other parts of the world. On this occasion, people decorate their homes with traditional lamps or 'diya', and buildings are illuminated, presenting a dazzling sight at night. India had sent the Diwali nomination dossier to UNESCO in 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle. "For every Indian, Diwali is deeply emotional, it is felt, lived, absorbed across generations," Shekhawat said.