Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a significant escalation of the Arpora nightclub fire investigation, the Union government has suspended the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, who have been on the run since December 6.
The action was initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs following a formal request from the Goa Police, and officials indicated that a full passport cancellation could follow.
Investigators have confirmed that both brothers left for Thailand shortly after the fatal incident, which has prompted a multi-agency effort to locate them.
Meanwhile, the probe into the Romeo Lane nightclub blaze has brought to light severe safety breaches. The FIR notes that the establishment lacked even basic fire-safety measures—there were no functional extinguishers, no alarm system, no designated emergency exits, and no documented fire audit. Despite these deficiencies, the club allegedly conducted a fire performance without implementing any safeguards, resulting in patrons being trapped when the flames spread rapidly.
Police have arrested six individuals so far, and further action is expected as the investigation progresses.
