Goa, Dec. 12 -- In a fresh twist to the investigation into the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra have claimed that a belly dancer triggered the blaze that killed 25 people. The brothers, currently facing serious charges including manslaughter and culpable homicide, attributed the incident to a performer who allegedly ignited an anaar (a fireworks fountain) during her act.

"What's the allegation? A lady performer lights an anaar and the roof catches fire. Is that enough to prove intent on my part?" their lawyer argued before the court, asserting that the owners should not be held directly responsible for the mishap.

The Luthras also pointed out that the club's managerial staff had already been...