Police in Goa are moving to extend the custody of the owners of a nightclub where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives earlier this month. The tragic incident has led to a complex investigation with international dimensions.
Extended Custody Sought for Key Accused
Anjuna police are preparing to request additional days of police custody for Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. The brothers, who were brought to Goa from Delhi last Wednesday, are currently in a five-day custody period that ends on Monday. Authorities had initially sought ten days of custody, arguing it was necessary to prevent them and their associates from fleeing the country.
The police will produce the Luthra brothers before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Mapusa on Monday to formally make their case for extended detention. However, in a related development, police stated they will not seek further custody for Ajay Gupta, a 55-year-old partner of the brothers from Gurgaon.
International Manhunt for Property Owner
In a significant escalation of the probe, Goa police have initiated an international search for a key figure linked to the property. Through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), they have approached Interpol seeking a blue corner notice against UK national Surinder Kumar Khosla.
Khosla is the owner of the Arpora property on which the ill-fated nightclub was operating. Deputy Superintendent of Police and Goa police PRO Nilesh Rane confirmed the step, stating it was taken to ascertain Khosla's whereabouts and secure his presence for investigation. A lookout notice has already been issued against him in India, but his location remains unknown.
Wider Arrests and Preliminary Findings
The investigation has netted several other individuals connected to the nightclub's operations. Those arrested include:
- Rajiv Modak, 49, chief general manager from New Delhi.
- Priyanshu Thakur, 32, gate manager from New Delhi.
- Rajveer Singhania, 32, bar manager from Uttar Pradesh.
- Vivek Singh, 27, general manager from Uttar Pradesh.
- Bharat Kohli from Delhi.
The fire broke out at the nightclub around 11:45 PM on December 6 during an event attended by over 150 tourists. A preliminary joint investigation by the police and the directorate of fire services concluded that the blaze started after electric firecrackers struck the wooden ceiling of the venue.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The case continues to develop as authorities piece together the events leading to one of Goa's deadliest fire tragedies. The push for extended custody indicates police are still gathering crucial evidence and statements from the primary accused. The involvement of Interpol highlights the cross-border elements of the business and the determination to bring all responsible parties to account.
The focus remains on establishing the complete chain of responsibility for safety lapses that led to the high casualty count. The legal proceedings for the Luthra brothers and the search for the absconding property owner will be critical in the days ahead.
