Goa, Dec. 9 -- Years of complaints, notices and High Court directives ignored until tragedy forced the government to act

AUGUSTO RODRIGUES

Even as the Goa government sealed the two other outlets owned by Saurabh Luthra - Romeo Lane in Vagator and Mama's Buoi in Assagao - O Heraldo has learnt that Birch by Romeo Lane gutted on Saturday night, had no clearance from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to operate. "We did not give them an NOC to operate as they never applied for one. It is mandatory that any premises exceeding 100 square metres obtain our approval. This is standard practice," disclosed Shripad Gawas, Divisional Officer, North Zone, Fire and Emergency Services. As per the checklist of the Mamlatdar of Bardez, the n...