ANJUNA: Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the Arpora-based Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, were brought to Goa on Wednesday after being deported from Thailand in connection with the December 6 fire tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 25 people.
Escorted by a team of Goa Police officers, the brothers were flown from Delhi and arrived at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, at around 10.45 am. They had been taken into custody in Delhi on Tuesday soon after their deportation and were granted a 48-hour transit remand by a local court to enable their transfer to Goa.
Following their arrival, the accused were moved under tight police security to the Primary Health Centre at Siolim for routine medical examination and were subsequently shifted to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. Police sources said one of the brothers complained of chest discomfort and was referred for additional medical evaluation. As part of security arrangements, the two were transported in separate police vehicles.
The Anjuna police had earlier booked the nightclub owners under several sections of the law, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, in connection with the deadly fire at the Arpora nightclub.
Investigators allege that a fireworks display was conducted at the venue without proper safety precautions or adequate firefighting arrangements, which allegedly triggered the blaze. Police have maintained that the event was organised in violation of safety norms.
In submissions made before the Delhi court, investigating officials stated that the Luthra brothers exercised complete control over the nightclub’s operations, including licensing, safety compliance and permissions for events. They further informed the court that crucial documents such as licences and internal records are yet to be recovered and that custodial interrogation is essential at this stage of the investigation.
According to police, the accused allegedly left the country within hours of the incident and travelled to Phuket. Subsequently, an Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued and their passports were cancelled. Acting on a request from Indian authorities, Thai officials detained the brothers on December 11, following which they were deported under bilateral arrangements.
So far, five managers and staff members associated with the nightclub have been arrested in the case. The Goa Police said the investigation is continuing to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine responsibility for the tragedy.
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