Goa | The investigation into the deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora has taken a major turn, with authorities uncovering a vast financial fraud allegedly run by the club’s owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. The blaze, which broke out on December 6 and claimed 25 lives, has now exposed what investigators describe as a web of 42 shell companies operated by the brothers from a single address in Delhi.
Officials say the financial trail points to systematic misuse of corporate entities to hide funds, evade taxes and bypass regulatory scrutiny—prompting authorities to label the Luthras as “serial fraudsters.”
42 Shell Companies From One Delhi Address
According to investigators, the Luthra brothers floated or controlled 42 companies over the last two years, all registered at the same Delhi location. These entities had overlapping directors, minimal genuine business activity and circular financial transactions—classic red flags associated with shell-company operations.
The companies are now being examined for potential money laundering, tax evasion and diversion of funds, not only linked to the Goa nightclub but also to their restaurant and hospitality ventures in other states.
A senior official said, “This is not just a case of negligence leading to a fire. It is a much larger economic offence that points to deliberate corporate manipulation.”
Escape to Thailand Hours After the Fire
Police records show that the first report of the fire was logged at 12:04 a.m. on December 7. By 5:30 a.m., the Luthra brothers had already boarded IndiGo flight 6E-1073 from Delhi to Phuket, Thailand.
Later that day, Lookout Circulars (LOCs) were issued against them. The Goa government confirmed that extradition proceedings are being initiated under the India–Thailand Extradition Treaty, 2015.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “A police team will be sent to Thailand soon. We are committed to bringing the accused back to face justice.”
Interpol Blue Corner Notice Issued
Within 48 hours of the incident, Indian authorities secured an Interpol Blue Corner Notice, enabling international tracking of the Luthra brothers’ movements.
A senior Goa Police officer explained, “The notice helps us locate the accused and ensures they cannot quietly move to another country. Their international movements are now being monitored.”
The CBI is assisting Goa Police in tracing the money trail and mapping links between the shell companies and potential foreign transactions.
British National and Associates Also Under Probe
The probe has widened to include other key individuals. Among them is Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British citizen and owner of the building in which the nightclub operated. Police have issued Lookout Circulars against Khosla and Ajay Gupta, another associate of the Luthras.
Deputy Inspector General Varsha Sharma confirmed Khosla’s foreign nationality and said the Delhi Passport Office has issued show-cause notices to the Luthra brothers, asking why their passports should not be revoked.
Five Club Officials Arreste
Goa Police have arrested five senior members of the club’s management for negligence, safety violations and alleged manipulation of permissions:
- Rajeev Modak (Chief General Manager)
- Vivek Singh (General Manager)
- Rajeev Singhania (Bar Manager)
- Riyanshu Thakur (Gate Manager)
- Bharat Kohli (Management Member)
Investigators are probing whether fire safety clearances were forged, ignored, or fraudulently obtained, and whether overcrowding contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Multi-Agency Probe Intensifies
A joint investigation involving Goa Police, Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI and Interpol is now underway. Authorities are examining criminal negligence leading to the fire alongside alleged economic offences involving shell companies and illegal financial flows.
Officials say the case highlights grave lapses in corporate governance, regulatory enforcement and local oversightwithin the hospitality sector.
Final Word
What began as an investigation into one of Goa’s deadliest nightclub fires has evolved into a high-profile case of alleged corporate fraud and international flight from justice. As Indian agencies work with Interpol to extradite the Luthra brothers from Thailand, the case is expected to set a precedent for accountability in India’s nightlife and hospitality industry.
