All 5 Nepalis Identified in Goa Fire Tragedy

All Nepalis who died in the nightclub fire in Goa have now been identified. The victims include Churn Bahadur Pun (31) from Dang; Lil Bahadur Katuwal (Vivek) from Sindhuli; Sabin Bishwakarma and Sudip Bishwakarma from Jhapa; and Manoj Jora from Dadeldhura.

Preparations are underway to bring their bodies back to Nepal. According to the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi is coordinating with the Goa government. Churn Bahadur’s body will be flown by air ambulance from Goa to Lucknow, then transported by road to Dang. Bodies of the others will also be returned home — Nepali residents in India are helping with arrangements.

The fire started late Saturday night in the club where the Nepalis were working. A gas cylinder exploded, worsening the fire. Poor road access delayed firefighters, and lack of safety measures in the club increased casualties. Many died inside the basement and kitchen areas — from burns and smoke inhalation, police said.

Officials found the club lacked required safety standards and was running illegally. Goa police arrested four — including the club’s general manager and staff — and filed charges against the owners. Three senior local government officials who allowed the club to operate without permission are also suspended.