Goa nightclub fire: PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia; President Murmu ‘pained’ as 25 people die

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the massive fire at a popular club in North Goa’s Arpora, taking to X to express grief over the tragedy.

PM Modi took to social media to express his condolences, writing, “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2025

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed profound sorrow, calling the deaths of at least 25 people “heartbreaking” and offering her condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the swift recovery of the injured.

In a message posted on X, the president said, “Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his grief on X, stating, “The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. The local administration is carrying out rescue and relief operations and providing the necessary care to the affected. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Goa CM orders magisterial probe

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he is monitoring the situation closely, confirmed the injured are stable, and announced a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause and accountability for the deadly blaze.

Taking to X, he wrote, “I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and 6 have been injured. All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire incident to identify the cause and fix responsibility.”

Speaking to reporters, he said the nightclub had not adhered to fire safety norms. Goa police chief Alok Kumar told PTI that the fire occurred due to a cylinder blast and was soon brought under control.

Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo stated that all 23 bodies had been recovered from the premises and sent to the government medical college at Bambolim. He added that officials would conduct a fire safety audit of all clubs to prevent similar incidents. The Calangute panchayat will issue notices on Monday to all nightclubs asking them to provide fire safety permissions, and he said, “The licenses of clubs not having the necessary permissions will be cancelled.”