While authorities moved to manage the aftermath, the tragedy triggered sharp political reactions from the opposition.
Goa restaurant fire: In North Goa’s Arpora, a total of 25 people lost their lives in a deadly fire incident at a restaurant. The deceased includes a chef from Nepal.
A man told news agency ANI, "One of the deceased was my family friend from Nepal. His name was Poorna Bahadur. He was working as a chef in the kitchen...He died in the incident that happened last night..."
Narayan Mathur, a relative of two victims, told the news agency, "Those were my nephews, sons of my elder brother. So, I have come here for them. Both of them died. They worked in the kitchen of the restaurant. I came to know about it this morning...A neighbour also died in the fire. All of us belonged to Jharkhand."
#WATCH | Fire at a restaurant in North Goa’s Arpora, claiming 25 lives | Arpora, Goa: Narayan Mathur, relative of two victims, says, "Those were my nephews, sons of my elder brother. So, I have come here for them. Both of them died. They worked in the kitchen of the restaurant. I… pic.twitter.com/ieYc3mjosl
— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2025Advertisement
The bodies of the deceased have been kept at a local medical college.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Collector, North Goa, has issued emergency numbers to ensure effective monitoring, incident response and public grievance redressal.
While authorities moved to manage the aftermath, the tragedy triggered sharp political reactions from the opposition.
State Congress president Amit Patkar called the incident a “black day” in the tourism history of Goa. “25 innocent people died, so we pay condolences to the families of all the deceased,” Patkar added.
Patkar termed the fatal incident a “deliberate murder” and a “failure” of Goa’s chief minister.
“I feel that this is deliberate murder of people. What we have been finding out through sources is that a demolition order was issued for this club and these people approached higher authorities, used pressure by ministers to stop the demolition. When a local elected body orders demolition as an illegal structure, I feel it should be the moral right of the administration to not grant any permission there. I have also come to know that did not have a fire license under fire safety norms. We saw the CM saying on record last night that this is a dangerous situation and people are not following the norms. It means that Goa CM has admitted that his administration has failed.”
The Congress leader urged for an inquiry, asking, “Who will take responsibility for the 25 people who died?”
He also demanded the resignation of the chief minister and all the ministers involved in granting permission, on moral and political grounds.
“We also demand that the Governor should immediately request the Govt to dismiss this Govt because this is not the first incident. Rapes and murders are rising in Goa..." he added.
On the other hand, Goa CM Pramod Sawant called it an "unfortunate day" and assured that those found guilty will be dealt legally.
Sawant told ANI, "For the first time in Goa's tourism history, such a big incident of fire has occurred. 25 people died...I reached the spot at 1.30-2 am, local MLA Michael Lobo accompanied me. All officers were also present there. Fire was doused off within half an hour but the club where this happened, some people could rush out of it but some others could not. So, a few people died of suffocation. As per preliminary information, 4 people were tourists and the rest were employees at the club. I express my condolences over their demise and express sympathies to their families. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace."
The Chief Minister assured that the families of the deceased will be provided compensation by the government.
Sawant added that the six injured are being given the "best medical treatment" at Goa Medical College.
"I have spoken with the Dean of the College. We have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. What permissions were obtained by the club, and who gave those permissions, will be inquired into. Whether the fire safety norms and building construction norms were followed will be seen," he added.
An arrest warrant has been issued against the club owners, Sawant confirmed, while adding that managers and others have already been arrested.
"Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars," he further added.
The chief minister has also briefed Prime Minister Modi. He said the PM called him up this morning and asked for all details.
"PM also asked for details on the injured. I briefed the PM in detail...Goa Govt will take all steps to ensure that such an incident never happens in future..." Sawant said.
(For more news apart from “Goa’s Arpora restaurant fire: Chef from Nepal among 24 others dead; Congress demands CM’s resignation," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
