The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable assets valued at approximately ₹17.45 crore in connection with its money‑laundering probe tied to the Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives in December 2025. The action, taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), targets the owners and promoters of the establishment amid findings of unlawful operation and forged documents.
Enforcement Action and Asset Attachment
The ED’s Panaji zonal office issued a provisional attachment order for properties worth around ₹17.45 crore in Goa linked to Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub where a deadly blaze erupted on December 6, 2025. The assets include immovable properties situated in Goa held largely by promoter brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra and Surinder Kumar Khosla, identified as an owner associated with the club.
This move forms part of an ongoing anti‑money‑laundering investigation based on FIRs registered by Goa Police at Anjuna and Mapusa stations. Officials contend the club’s revenue generated during financial years 2023–24 through 2025–26 (till December 6, 2025) — nearly ₹29.78 crore — constitutes “proceeds of crime” under PMLA provisions.
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Allegations of Illegal Operations and Forgery
According to the ED’s statement, the nightclub was operated through M/s Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP without securing mandatory statutory approvals, including a fire NOC (no objection certificate). Investigation materials indicate that the partners submitted forged and fabricated documents, such as a fake health NOC and a forged police clearance certificate, to obtain licences and present the establishment as compliant with regulatory norms.
The probe further alleges that even after the club’s trade licence expired on March 31, 2024, operations continued unlawfully, in “blatant violation” of statutory requirements. Searches conducted on January 23 at linked premises in Goa, Delhi and Haryana resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices and the freezing of bank accounts with approximately ₹59 lakh.
Fire Tragedy and Legal Proceedings
The tragic fire at the Arpora village nightclub during a dance event injured about 50 patrons and led to extensive legal scrutiny. Following the incident, the Luthra brothers reportedly boarded a flight to Thailand the next morning but were deported to India on December 17, 2025, and subsequently arrested by Goa Police. They have since been granted bail in both the forgery case and the separate matter related to the fire.
The ED’s attachment of assets now adds a financial enforcement dimension to the ongoing investigation, which seeks to trace and immobilise property alleged to be tainted by criminal conduct under anti‑money‑laundering law.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
