The nightclub in Arpora, Goa, was devastated by a major fire on December 6 (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Original landowner Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Arpora–Nagoa sarpanch Roshan Redkar were questioned till late Saturday night by a magisterial inquiry committee probing the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa.Amonkar appeared before the panel following a summons issued for 3.30 pm and was questioned until around 10.30 pm. His lawyer, Prasenjeet Dhage, said the inquiry focused on understanding the circumstances that led to the fire. He described the questioning as detailed and intense.“My client had a warrant of appearance before the committee today,” said Amonkar’s lawyer Prasenjeet Dhage. “It was a very intensive and vigorous inquiry,” advocate Dhage said as quoted by PTI.The Goa government has set up the magisterial inquiry committee, headed by North Goa district magistrate Ankit Yadav, to investigate the incident, which claimed 25 lives.Sarpanch Roshan Redkar also appeared before the committee and said he responded to all questions put to him. He has earlier secured pre-arrest bail from a local court in connection with the case.Meanwhile, Goa Police have arrested five managers and staff members of the nightclub. The club’s co-owners, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who allegedly left India after the incident, have been detained in Thailand.