Investigation into the Goa club blaze progresses as authorities detain Luthra brothers in Thailand. Indian officials have begun formal procedures to deport them back to India, marking a significant step in pursuit of justice for victims of the tragic incident.
Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, operators of nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, where a fire tragically claimed 25 lives in North Goa’s Arpora village late Saturday night, were detained in Thailand on Thursday following a request from Indian law enforcement authorities. The formal process to deport the brothers back to India has been initiated.
According to sources, the brothers were apprehended in Phuket, where they had arrived on a flight at 5:30 am on December 7, mere hours after the blaze occurred around midnight. Interpol had issued a Blue Corner Notice for their arrest, following coordination between Goa police and the CBI. India and Thailand have maintained an extradition treaty since 2015, which will facilitate their repatriation.
Goa police stated that the brothers had booked tickets to Thailand within 90 minutes of the fire. Investigation revealed that the tickets were reserved at 1:17 am on December 7. “While rescue and firefighting operations were underway, the accused were allegedly preparing to leave the country,” police said.
The Luthra brothers approached Rohini Court in Delhi on Wednesday, seeking transit anticipatory bail. Their counsel argued that the visit to Thailand was for business purposes, not to evade authorities. The court scheduled the matter for hearing on Thursday afternoon.
The Fire Department’s technical incident report indicated that the Mapusa fire control room received information about the fire at 11:45 pm on December 6. Firefighters managed to control and extinguish the blaze by 4:45 am. The fire safety report will play a crucial role in ongoing investigations.
So far, six individuals, including Ajay Gupta, a partner at the club, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Gupta was brought to Goa on Wednesday night. Authorities have also issued a look-out circular for Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British national and owner of the property where Birch by Romeo Lane was operating.
Investigations are ongoing, with officials examining fire safety compliance, management accountability, and potential lapses that may have contributed to the catastrophic blaze. Coordination between Indian and Thai authorities is expected to expedite the return of the Luthra brothers, allowing further legal proceedings in India.
