Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a dramatic twist to the Arpora fire investigation, the Goa government on Monday revealed that key accused Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra fled to Phuket just hours after the blaze, taking a 5:30 am flight on December 7—barely minutes after the incident that occurred around midnight.
Officials say the timing of their departure clearly indicates an attempt to evade the investigation.
A Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued later the same evening by the Bureau of Immigration, even as Goa Police dispatched a team to Delhi to raid their residences. Notices were pasted at their homes after officers found them missing.
Meanwhile, the state has launched a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy. The committee has visited the site and demanded all relevant documents.
Authorities revealed that the Sarpanch had signed multiple NOCs—from electricity and water connections to house repairs and trade licence permissions—and that the club continued operations even after its trade licence expired in March 2024, despite the Panchayat having powers to seal such premises under Section 72-A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act.
So far, all victims have been identified and the mortal remains of 20 have been transported to their native places with government assistance.
Two other Romeo Lane establishments have also been sealed, and a safety-audit committee has begun drafting a new SOP for clubs and entertainment venues.
Goa Police have also coordinated with the Interpol division of the CBI to trace and apprehend the Luthra brothers. Earlier, one accused, Bharat Kohli, was arrested in Delhi and brought to Goa on transit remand.
