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"Criminal failure of safety and governance": Rahul Gandhi slams Goa govt over Arpora fire tragedy

Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday condoled the deaths of 25 people in the Arpora nightclub fire in Goa and demanded a “thorough and transparent” probe. Calling the tragedy a “criminal failure of safety and governance,” he said accountability must be fixed to prevent such incidents.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday expressed condolences over the loss of 25 lives in the Arpora fire tragedy in Goa and called for a "thorough and transparent" probe in the matter.
The Lok Sabha LoP condemned the state government over the matter, calling it a "criminal failure" of safety and governance.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Deeply pained by the tragic fire in Arpora, Goa that claimed more than 20 lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. This is not just an accident, it is a criminal failure of safety and governance. A thorough, transparent probe must fix accountability and ensure such preventable tragedies don't occur again."
At least 25 people lost their lives in the late-night blaze on Sunday, with four of them identified as tourists and fourteen others as staff members. The emergency teams rushed to the spot, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities worked through the night to bring the situation under control.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased in the fire mishap in Arpora, Goa. The injured will be given Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry after 25 people were killed in a massive fire at a nightclub in North Goa's Arpora.
The Chief Minister said that the club's managers and others have already been arrested in the case, and an arrest warrant has been issued against the club's owners.
"This is an unfortunate day. For the first time in Goa's tourism history, such a big incident of fire has occurred. Twenty-five 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 within half an hour, but at the club where this happened, some people could rush out of it, but some others could not," Sawant said.
The CM said that it is to be seen whether the fire safety norms and building construction norms were followed.
"An arrest warrant has been issued against the club owners. Managers and others have already been arrested. Whoever is found guilty will be put behind bars. PM Modi called me up this morning and asked for all details. He also asked for details on the injured. I briefed the PM in detail...Goa Government will take all steps to ensure that such an incident never happens in future," he said.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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