Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: Goa Police have initiated the process to obtain a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, an accused in the December 6 nightclub fire at Arpora that left 25 people dead. A senior police officer confirmed on Saturday that the formalities required for issuing the notice are being carried out through Central agencies.
The officer said Khosla was present in Goa when the fire broke out at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub but is believed to have fled to the United Kingdom soon after the incident. “He was in Goa at the time of the fire and likely left the country the following day,” the officer said, adding that efforts are underway to trace him and facilitate his return to India.
Khosla is understood to be one of the owners associated with the nightclub where the blaze occurred on the night of December 6. Police sources said the land on which the establishment was built had been leased to him. He is also involved in a prolonged legal dispute with the original landowner, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, over the property.
So far, eight persons have been arrested in connection with the case, including nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta, along with five others.
Meanwhile, in connection with bail applications filed by accused Ajay Gupta and Bharat, the Anjuna Police sought additional time to submit their response before the court. Police cited their engagement in Zilla Panchayat election duties as the reason for the delay. The court has adjourned the matter to Monday.
