Goa nightclub co-owner Ajay Gupta booked for allegedly using forged documents to obtain license

Gupta allegedly submitted a forged health department certificate to obtain a trade licence for the nightclub, according to police officials.

Published on: Dec 23, 2025, 22:25:37 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Goa police on Tuesday booked Ajay Gupta, co-owner of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, for allegedly using forged documents to obtain a trade licence for the establishment.

Goa nightclub co-owner Ajay Gupta booked for alleged forgery. (HT_Print)

According to police officials, Gupta allegedly submitted a forged health department certificate to secure the licence. A case has been registered in this regard at the Mapusa police station in North Goa district, PTI reported.

A senior police officer said the action forms part of the ongoing investigation into the fire case. Authorities are examining the documents submitted during the licensing process, and further investigation is underway. He is currently in the custody of the Anjuna police station.

Also read| Goa fire: Police seek Blue Corner notice as property owner remains at large

A total of 25 people, including 20 staff members, were killed in the massive blaze that erupted at Birch by Romeo Lane.

How fire erupted

Goa police chief Alok Kumar said the police received an alert shortly after midnight. “An unfortunate incident occurred in a restaurant-cum-club in Arpora. At 12.04 am, the police control room received information about a fire, and the police, fire brigade, and ambulances were rushed to the spot. The fire is now under control, and all the bodies have been recovered. The total death count is 23... The police will investigate the cause of this incident, and we will take action based on the findings,” the DGP said, as per news agency ANI.

Also read| Pyroguns during belly dance, alcohol storage: How chain of violations triggered Goa nightclub fire

Describing it as “a very painful day” for the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promised swift action for those found responsible for a fire, caused most probably by a cylinder blast, that killed 25 people in the early hours of the day.

“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people. I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss,” the CM posted on X.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.