Nepalis Killed in Goa Nightclub Fire Identified

All the Nepali citizens who died in a nightclub fire in Goa, India, have now been identified. The fire, which occurred last Saturday, killed 25 people, including five Nepalis.

According to Goa Police, the Nepalis who lost their lives are:

• Churnabahadur Pun (31) from Dang
• Lila Bahadur Katuwal (Vivek) from Sindhuli
• Sabin Bishwakarma from Jhapa
• Sudip Bishwakarma from Jhapa
• Manoj Jora from Dadeldhura

Arrangements are being made to bring their bodies back to Nepal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi is coordinating with the Goa government for the process.

Churnabahadur’s body will be flown from Goa to Lucknow by air ambulance, and then taken to Dang by vehicle. Similar efforts are being made to send the other victims’ bodies to their respective homes, with support from Nepalis living in India.

The fire started around midnight in the nightclub where many Nepalis were working. A gas cylinder explosion made the fire even worse. The narrow roads prevented fire trucks from reaching the spot on time, and poor fire control arrangements increased the loss of life.

Many people died as they were trapped on the ground floor and in the kitchen area. Officials said some died due to burning, while others died from smoke inhalation.

Initial investigation shows that the nightclub was operating illegally and had not followed required safety standards.

Goa Police have arrested four people, including the club’s general manager and staff. Cases have also been filed against the owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra. Three senior local government officials have been suspended for giving permission to run the nightclub without proper rules.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured.