Panaji, Dec. 10 -- Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday described the recent fire incident involving the Birch by Romeo Lane establishment as a "very tragic episode", stressing the need for clear accountability and a fact-based inquiry into the matter.

Speaking to reporters, Khaunte clarified that the fire occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, an outlet not under the Tourism Department's purview because it was not registered with the department.

"What happened (fire incident) is a very tragic episode. This particular episode occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane, which did not fall under the purview of the Tourism Department for registration purposes. Everyone who was there needs to be made accountable, and action needs to be initiated......