Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: The Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa has granted anticipatory bail to Delhi-based Dinesh Khera in the alleged fake excise licence document case connected to the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora.
In its order issued on Tuesday, the court observed that the alleged forged No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Health Department was reportedly used during the process of obtaining the original excise licence and not during its later renewal. The court further noted that Khera’s name surfaced only at the renewal stage.
Additional Sessions Judge Dvijple Patkar stated that custodial interrogation of Khera was not necessary at this point, as preliminary investigation records indicated that the questioned document was allegedly submitted before the Excise Department by owner Gaurav Luthra.
The matter relates to allegations that officials linked to Being GS Hospitality LLP and Birch by Romeo Lane used a fabricated NOC, purportedly issued by the Candolim Primary Health Centre, to secure an excise licence for the nightclub.
During arguments, the prosecution claimed that the alleged forged certificate enabled the establishment to operate despite irregularities and stated that the functioning of the venue later resulted in the deaths of 25 people while several others suffered injuries.
The prosecution also informed the court that prime accused Ajay Gupta had already been arrested. According to investigators, Khera was called for questioning mainly to verify statements made by Gupta, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra.
The court, however, highlighted that in earlier bail proceedings involving the Luthras, the prosecution had itself maintained that the alleged forgery took place in 2024 while applying for a fresh excise licence. Khera’s alleged connection, the court said, arose only during the 2025 renewal process.
As part of the bail conditions, Khera has been directed to assist the investigation, avoid tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses, and obtain court permission before leaving the country.
In a separate but related order, the same court also granted anticipatory bail to Gauresh Gawas, an Upper Division Clerk attached to the Excise Department, who was questioned in connection with the alleged forged Health NOC case. The prosecution informed the court that Gawas had cooperated with investigators and was being viewed as an important witness rather than a direct accused in the matter.
