Panaji, April 8 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable properties worth approximately Rs 17.45 crore in connection with a money laundering probe into the alleged illegal operation of the establishment “Birch by Romeo Lane” in Goa’s Arpora, a statement said on Wednesday.

The action was carried out by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The probe stems from FIRs registered by the Goa Police at Anjuna and Mapusa police stations against Saurabh Luthra and others under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

These FIRs relate not only to the tragic fire incident on December 6, 2025 — which claimed 25 lives and left several injured — but also to allegations of large-scale forgery and fabrication of statutory documents to obtain regulatory clearances.

According to the ED, its investigation has revealed that the establishment was operated by M/s Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP without mandatory approvals, including a valid Fire NOC.

The agency further found that forged documents — such as a fake Health NOC and fabricated Police Clearance Certificate — were submitted to authorities to secure licences and project compliance.

The ED alleged that the partners of the entity, acting in connivance, continued commercial operations despite the absence and expiry of key licences. Notably, the trade licence had expired on March 31, 2024, but was never renewed, even as the establishment continued to function in violation of statutory norms.

Financial investigations indicate that the establishment generated revenues of around Rs 29.78 crore between FY 2023–24 and December 6, 2025. These earnings have been identified as “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.

Earlier, on January 23, the ED had conducted searches at multiple premises linked to the entity, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices, along with the freezing of bank accounts holding approximately Rs 59 lakh.

Further investigation in the case is underway.

–IANS

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