MAPUSA

The tragic nightclub fire at Arpora triggered immediate political upheaval on Sunday after Arpora–Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar was taken to the Anjuna Police Station and questioned for more than five hours, prompting a massive outpouring of public anger and a dramatic showdown at the police station.

Redkar had earlier this year issued a March 2025 demolition order against the controversial Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, declaring it illegal and directing that it be razed.

The order, however, was stayed by the Deputy Director of Panchayats, allowing the club – which went up in flames on Saturday, killing 25 people – to continue operations.

As news spread that the Sarpanch was being questioned, large groups of villagers from Arpora, Nagoa, Calangute and Anjuna gathered outside

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