The Aryavarth Express
Panaji (Goa): Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Sunday expressed profound sorrow over the devastating fire at a club in Arpora that claimed at least 25 lives, including four tourists and fourteen staff members. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
In a statement issued by Raj Bhavan, the Governor said the incident marks a moment of deep grief for the state and urged authorities to provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims and their families.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also mourned the loss of lives, calling the tragedy “avoidable” and demanding a comprehensive investigation and “strict accountability.”
In a post on X, he wrote, “My deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the 23 people who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Arpora. This irreparable loss is deeply saddening, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Kharge described the incident as a reflection of administrative lapses and stressed the need for strict enforcement of fire safety norms. He also urged Congress workers in Goa to support the affected families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, along with ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that the club’s managers and several others have already been arrested, while an arrest warrant has been issued against the owners as investigations continue into the cause of the late-night blaze.
