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In a breakthrough in the investigation into the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, the prime accused and owners of the establishment — Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra — were arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after being deported from Thailand. The fire, which broke out on December 6, claimed 25 lives and left several others injured, triggering nationwide outrage and scrutiny of Goa’s nightlife safety norms.
Upon arrival in India, the brothers were formally taken into custody by the Goa Police, which secured a two-day transit remand from a Delhi court to take them to Goa for further investigation. Officials said the accused will be produced before a local court in Goa, where police are expected to seek custodial remand for sustained interrogation.
Medical Examination and Court Proceedings
Following their arrest at the airport, the Luthra brothers were subjected to a mandatory medical examination at Indira Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, in accordance with legal procedure. They were later produced before the Patiala House Court, which granted transit remand after hearing submissions from the Goa Police regarding the gravity of the offence and the accused’s conduct.
Investigators stressed that the brothers’ arrest marks a critical step in fixing accountability for one of the deadliest nightlife-related incidents in recent years.
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Accused Fled India Hours After Fire Broke Out
According to police findings, the Luthra brothers left the country within hours of the fire, even as rescue and firefighting operations were underway at the nightclub. Investigators revealed that while emergency responders were evacuating victims and battling the blaze, the accused were already arranging their escape.
Police said the duo, accompanied by some club staff, allegedly drove overnight from Goa to Mumbai and boarded an IndiGo flight at 5:30 am the following morning to Phuket, Thailand. Their abrupt departure raised immediate suspicion.
After Mumbai Immigration confirmed their exit, the Goa Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) on December 7, followed by an Interpol Blue Corner Notice on December 8, seeking international assistance to trace and monitor their movements.
Detention in Thailand and Deportation
Acting on inputs shared by Indian security agencies, Thai authorities detained the Luthra brothers on December 11. Indian officials were informed soon after, and diplomatic and legal formalities were completed to facilitate their deportation.
Sources said that during preliminary questioning in Thailand, the accused attempted to downplay their role, claiming they were not involved in the day-to-day operations of the nightclub. Indian investigators, however, maintain that the brothers were central to the management and functioning of the establishment.
The accused had also approached the Rohini Court in Delhi seeking anticipatory bail, but the plea was dismissed, with the court noting the seriousness of the allegations and the evident risk of flight.
Eight Arrests So Far, Investigation Widens
With the arrest of the Luthra brothers, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to eight. Police officials said the probe will extend beyond the club owners to examine:
- Fire safety approvals and compliance
- Licensing and regulatory clearances
- Crowd management and emergency exits
- Possible lapses or collusion by local authorities
Investigators are scrutinising whether the nightclub was allowed to operate despite violations of mandatory safety norms, particularly in a high-density tourist zone.
Police Stress Accountability at Every Level
Confirming the arrests, Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar said the case involves grave criminal negligenceand that the investigation will proceed strictly on the basis of evidence.
“Custodial interrogation of the accused is likely to reveal critical details regarding safety violations, operational decisions and responsibility for the tragedy,” a senior police officer said, adding that further arrests cannot be ruled out.
The case has reignited debate over regulatory oversight, enforcement failures and safety standards in Goa’s nightlife industry. Authorities said accountability will be fixed at every level once the investigation is complete.
