A court in Goa on Monday extended the police custody of the two brothers who co-owned the "Birch by Romeo" nightclub, the site of a devastating fire that claimed 25 lives earlier this month. The judicial decision means Saurabh and Gaurab Luthra will remain in police custody for an additional five days, until at least December 26.
Extended Custody and New Allegations
The Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court granted the police extension after the initial five-day remand period ended. This development follows the arrest of the Luthra brothers on December 16. They were apprehended shortly after being brought back from Thailand, where they had reportedly fled within hours of the tragic incident on December 6.
Advocate Vishnu Joshi, who is representing the families of the victims, revealed significant new information in court. "Police have found that the Luthras forged their trade license and other documents," Joshi told the ANI news agency. This allegation of document forgery adds a serious new dimension to the case against the nightclub owners.
Judicial Custody for Third Partner and Criminal Proceedings
In a related order, the court also sent Ajay Gupta, identified as the third partner in the nightclub venture, to 14 days of judicial custody. The legal net around the club's management is tightening as the investigation progresses.
The state government of Goa has formally initiated criminal proceedings against the Luthra brothers. The charges are based on alleged criminal negligence and multiple violations of mandatory safety regulations that are believed to have contributed to the high death toll.
Police Findings on Safety Lapses
According to the investigation conducted by the Goa Police, the fire originated from a fireworks event organized inside the club. The police claim the establishment proceeded with this pyrotechnic display despite a complete lack of proper fire safety equipment and other essential emergency measures.
A critical finding is that the owners allegedly knew the restaurant lacked emergency exit doors on both the ground and deck floors but still allowed the event to proceed. These exits are considered vital for a swift and safe evacuation during any crisis.
The legal framework for the case was established on December 7, when police filed a criminal case against the brothers. They have been charged under sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), and 287, read with section 3(5) of the newly enacted Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
