Bulldozer Action on Luthras' Romeo Lane Shack in Goa's Vagator After Arpora Club Fire

In the wake of the tragic Arpora club fire that claimed multiple lives, authorities in Goa have intensified their crackdown on illegal structures and regulatory violations across prominent tourist zones. On Tuesday, the state administration launched a decisive demolition drive targeting unauthorized constructions, with the popular Romeo Lane shack in Vagator—owned by the Luthra family—becoming the latest establishment to face bulldozer action.

Officials from the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA), supported by local police teams, arrived at Vagator beach early in the morning and began dismantling portions of the shack said to be built without proper permissions. According to sources, multiple notices had been issued earlier, but with little corrective response from the operators.

The action comes just days after the devastating Arpora nightclub blaze, which exposed glaring lapses in fire safety compliance and infrastructure oversight in Goa’s nightlife and hospitality industry. The tragedy has prompted a state-wide investigation into illegal constructions, non-compliant restaurants, and beach shacks operating without adherence to fire norms.

Authorities stated that the demolition was part of a larger enforcement campaign aimed at preventing similar disasters, stressing that several establishments across North Goa are now under scrutiny. “Tourism is important, but public safety is non-negotiable,” an official said, highlighting that the government will not hesitate to take action against any business flouting rules.

The demolition of Romeo Lane has sparked mixed reactions. While many locals and tourists supported the move citing safety concerns, others argued that sudden demolitions during peak tourist season may affect livelihoods and the region’s hospitality economy.

With investigations into the Arpora fire still ongoing and more inspections being carried out across Goa, officials have warned that this is only the beginning of a broader clean-up drive. More establishments could face similar actions if found violating safety or construction norms.