New Delhi/Goa: In a major development in the deadly Goa nightclub fire case, a local court on Wednesday remanded Saurav Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, to five days of police custody. The blaze, which broke out at the Arpora-based establishment earlier this month, claimed 25 lives and left several others seriously injured.
The Luthra brothers were produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Mapusa, where the police sought custodial interrogation citing gross violations of safety norms, licensing irregularities, and the accused leaving the country immediately after the incident. Accepting the prosecution’s arguments, the court granted a five-day remand to facilitate detailed questioning.
Brought Back from Thailand, Subjected to Multiple Medical Examinations
According to the Goa Police, the accused were brought to India from Thailand under tight security and landed at Manohar International Airport, Mopa. From there, they were taken first to the Siolim Primary Health Centre and subsequently to the Mapusa District Hospital for mandatory medical examinations.
Before being produced in court, the accused complained of back pain, prompting the magistrate to order a second medical evaluation. Public prosecutor Vishnu Joshi informed the court that doctors found no serious medical condition warranting hospitalisation, following which the court cleared the way for police custody.
How the Fire Broke Out: Electric Firecrackers Triggered Blaze
The fire occurred at around 11:45 pm on December 6, when the nightclub was hosting a crowded event. Preliminary investigations have revealed that electric firecrackers used during the programme emitted sparks that came into contact with the club’s wooden ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Within minutes, the venue was engulfed in flames, triggering panic among patrons. Several victims were unable to locate exit points in time. By the time fire and emergency services reached the spot, 25 people—including tourists and club staff—had lost their lives.
Fled India Hours After Incident, Interpol Alert Issued
Police officials stated that the Luthra brothers left India for Thailand on December 7, just hours after the incident, even as rescue operations were underway and an FIR had already been registered at the Anjuna police station.
Subsequently, the Goa Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) and sought international assistance through an Interpol Blue Notice. Following the suspension of their passports by Indian authorities, Thai officials detained the duo in Phuket for illegal overstay. They were later deported to India using emergency travel documents issued by the Indian Embassy.
Serious Charges Invoked; Licensing and Fire Clearances Under Scanner
The accused have been booked under multiple stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal negligence.
Investigators are also examining whether the nightclub was operating with an expired licence, without mandatory fire safety clearances, and in violation of permissible occupancy limits. Several other individuals linked to the club’s operations have already been arrested, and authorities have indicated that more arrests and disclosures are likely as the investigation progresses.
