In a significant development, the owners of a popular Goa nightclub, which was devastated by a deadly fire earlier this month, have been brought back to India from Thailand to face serious criminal charges. The brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, are now in police custody and are being transported to Goa for a detailed investigation into the tragic incident that claimed multiple lives.
From Phuket to Patiala House: The Extradition Journey
Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, were successfully deported from Thailand and landed in India on an IndiGo flight on Tuesday. Authorities revealed that the duo had fled India on 7 December, merely hours after the catastrophic blaze erupted at their establishment. They were subsequently located staying at the Indigo hotel in Phuket, where Thai authorities detained them for overstaying illegally.
A special team from the Goa Police travelled to Thailand to coordinate their deportation. With their passports already suspended by the Indian government, the Indian embassy in Thailand issued an emergency travel certificate to facilitate their return. Upon arrival at Delhi's IGI Airport, the brothers were formally arrested. They were then produced before the Patiala House Court, which granted the Goa Police a two-day transit remand. This legal order allows the police to transport the accused to Goa for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
The Night of the Tragedy and Mounting Arrests
The fire that set off this international manhunt occurred on the night of 6 December. Preliminary investigations conducted jointly by the police and the fire services directorate indicate that the blaze was triggered during an event with over 150 guests in attendance. The report suggests that electric firecrackers ignited the nightclub's wooden ceiling, leading to the rapid spread of flames.
Even before the Luthra brothers' extradition, the Goa Police had been actively building their case. Several staff members and associates of the nightclub have already been arrested. The list of those in custody includes partner Ajay Gupta, chief general manager Rajiv Modak, gate manager Priyanshu Thakur, bar manager Rajveer Singhania, general manager Vivek Singh, and Bharat Kohli. The brothers now face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal negligence.
Ongoing Probe and Future Proceedings
The investigation continues to focus on pinpointing the exact safety lapses and establishing responsibility for the tragedy. Authorities are examining whether proper fire safety norms and licenses were in place at the upscale venue. The arrest of the owners marks a critical turn in the case, as investigators seek to determine the chain of command and accountability for the alleged negligence that led to the fire.
With the Luthra brothers now in remand, the Goa Police are expected to conduct intense questioning to uncover the full sequence of events before, during, and after the fire. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting concerns about safety standards in commercial entertainment venues across the state.
