Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Intensive coordination between the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and Thai authorities has set in motion the return of the Luthra brothers, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, who were recently detained in Phuket.
Sources said the brothers were taken into custody after a formal request from the Indian Embassy, following which Thai immigration officials began processing the case under local laws to facilitate their deportation to India.
A police team from Goa has already arrived in Thailand, while Indian agencies are completing the required documentation.
Officials indicated that, if formalities are completed on schedule, the brothers could be repatriated within the next few days. An emergency travel document is expected to be issued, as their Indian passports have already been revoked.
Even as diplomatic efforts continue overseas, the investigation in Goa has gathered pace. Bharat Kohli, the operations head of the Birch nightclub, remains in police custody after a court granted investigators an additional six days to question him. Authorities said the extended remand would allow them to further examine his involvement and plug gaps in the investigation.
In related legal proceedings, the Mapusa Sessions Court has issued notices on anticipatory bail pleas filed by Arpora panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar and panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar. Police sought additional time to file a detailed response, which the court has granted until 2.30 pm on December 16, after which arguments in the matter will be taken up.
Investigators have so far recorded statements from more than 50 individuals, including government officials, employees, and family members of the victims. Officials said these testimonies are helping reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the deadly fire on December 6, which claimed 25 lives—five tourists and 20 staff members.
According to reports, the Embassy of India in Bangkok continues to closely liaise with Thai agencies to ensure a smooth legal process. The brothers’ detention followed diplomatic intervention, and Thai authorities are now moving ahead with deportation procedures in line with domestic regulations.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure justice for the victims. He said six people have been arrested in connection with the case, three officials have been suspended, and the probe is being fast-tracked. Of the three club owners, one was earlier detained in Delhi, while Look Out Circulars were issued against the other two. He added that with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Union Home Ministry, the remaining owners were traced and detained in Thailand, and a joint team of state and central agencies would soon bring them back to India to face legal action.
