Team Goemkarponn
Delhi: Relatives of those who died in the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday, calling for the harshest punishment against the establishment’s owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who remain in police custody.
During the demonstration, the grieving families raised slogans demanding strict accountability, directly blaming the two brothers for the tragedy that resulted in 25 fatalities. Quoted by a news agency, the protesters stated that justice must extend to both the deceased and those who suffered injuries in the incident.
Among the victims were five tourists and 20 employees of the nightclub. In addition to the deaths, the blaze left around six people injured.
The fire broke out on December 6 last year at the well-known nightlife venue. Investigators have concluded that the incident was caused by the use of electric fireworks, which sparked a rapid and uncontrollable fire within the enclosed space.
Following the incident, the Luthra brothers allegedly left the country and travelled to Thailand. They were subsequently deported to India on December 17, after which they were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies.
In a parallel legal move, families of the victims have filed an intervention plea before the Mapusa Additional Sessions Court, opposing the anticipatory bail sought by the accused. The court is expected to hear the matter on January 7.
Meanwhile, Anjuna police have registered an additional case against the brothers, accusing them of forgery of documents and cheating, further widening the scope of the investigation.
