In a significant development in the investigation into the devastating Goa nightclub fire, police have now turned their focus to a British national who fled the country. Authorities are initiating the process to obtain a Blue Corner Notice against Surinder Kumar Khosla, one of the accused owners of the ill-fated venue.
International Manhunt for a Key Accused
A senior police officer confirmed to PTI that formalities have begun with central agencies to issue the international notice against Khosla. The objective is to locate and bring him back from the United Kingdom to face justice in India. Khosla was reportedly present in Goa when the tragic incident unfolded but fled to the UK, most likely on December 7, the day after the fire.
The officer stated, "We have started the process to issue him a blue corner notice to bring him from the UK. Formalities required to be completed with Central agencies are being initiated." This move underscores the global dimension the investigation has taken following the December 6 tragedy.
Who is Surinder Kumar Khosla?
Surinder Kumar Khosla is identified as one of the owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The deadly blaze erupted at this venue shortly after midnight on a Sunday, claiming 25 lives. Investigations reveal that the land on which the nightclub was built was leased to Khosla, who is embroiled in a protracted legal dispute with the original landowner, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar.
Arrests and Deportations in the Ongoing Probe
The case has already seen a series of arrests and international cooperation. Goa Police have so far arrested eight individuals in connection with the fire. Those in custody include nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, along with five others.
In a major breakthrough this week, co-owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra were returned to India. The brothers were deported from Thailand and landed in Delhi on Tuesday. They had been detained in Phuket on December 11 following intervention by the Indian embassy. It was reported that the Luthra brothers had departed Goa for Delhi hours after the fire to attend a wedding.
The horrific incident at the Arpora nightclub, located about 25 km from Panaji, resulted in the deaths of 25 people, including tourists and staff. Authorities reported the fire at around 12:04 am on December 6. A fire official earlier indicated that most victims died due to suffocation, trapped on the ground floor of the establishment as the inferno spread rapidly.
