The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched extensive search operations at multiple locations in Goa and Delhi as part of a money laundering investigation connected to the tragic fire at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa's Arpora village. This blaze, which occurred on December 6 last year, resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Search Operations Target Key Figures in the Case
According to official sources, the ED teams initiated searches early Friday morning at approximately eight to nine sites across both states. The focus of these raids includes the residential and office premises of Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, who are identified as the owners and partners of the nightclub. The investigation aims to uncover potential money laundering activities tied to the alleged illegal functioning of the establishment and the involvement of its promoters.
Locations Under Scrutiny
The search operations span various key locations, such as Kingsway Camp in Delhi, Tatvam Villas in Gurugram, and properties associated with former local officials in Goa. Specifically, the premises of Roshan Redkar, the then sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat, and Raghuvir Bagkar, the then panchayat secretary, are being examined. These individuals are suspected of having facilitated the club's operations by issuing trade licences and No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) without adhering to proper procedures.
Probing Illegal Land Conversion and Ownership
In a significant development, ED teams are also conducting searches at the premises of Surinder Kumar Khosla, a UK national who owns the property where the nightclub was located. The investigation is delving into the money laundering aspects arising from the illegal conversion of khazan land, a type of salt pan, on which the unauthorized structure housing the club was reportedly operated. This angle highlights the broader environmental and regulatory violations associated with the case.
Legal Actions and Flight Attempts
Goa Police had previously filed charges against the Luthra brothers, along with the club's partners, manager, event organiser, and other managing staff, accusing them of culpable homicide in connection with the fire. Notably, the Luthra brothers attempted to flee the country shortly after the incident, booking tickets to Phuket at 1:17 am on December 7, within 90 minutes of the blaze. They were later deported to India and arrested by Goa police, and are currently held in judicial custody.
Magisterial Inquiry Reveals Collusion
A magisterial inquiry established to probe the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane earlier this month uncovered disturbing findings. The inquiry concluded that the local panchayat had colluded with the property owners, allowing the club to operate illegally without a valid trade licence. It highlighted that the panchayat failed in its statutory duties by not taking action to seal the property or shut down its operations.
Citing disclosure statements from Roshan Redkar and Raghuvir Bagkar, the inquiry committee flagged procedural lapses in document verification, noting that licences and NOCs were issued hastily without following due process. The report explicitly stated that the probe establishes their collusion with the owners in keeping the restaurant running illegally, underscoring systemic failures in governance and oversight.
This ongoing investigation by the ED underscores the multifaceted nature of the case, combining elements of financial crime, regulatory negligence, and public safety concerns. As searches continue, authorities are working to unravel the complex web of money laundering and illegal activities linked to one of Goa's most devastating incidents in recent memory.
