Goa Police investigation into the deadly fire at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, which killed 25 people, has uncovered that co-owners Siddharth and Gaurav Luthra were using a SIM card registered in the name of their former driver without his knowledge, as the brothers fled to Thailand’s Phuket amid mounting scrutiny.
Ex-Driver’s Identity Hijacked for Five Years
Ram Hari Singh, who drove for Siddharth Luthra for two years until being fired during the 2020 COVID lockdown, discovered his personal documents were misused to obtain a SIM card still active in the brothers’ possession. Singh told investigators he had no contact with the Luthras since 2020 and was unaware of the SIM until police inquiries. The card, procured using his identity papers provided during employment, raises questions about potential identity fraud and evasion tactics during the nightclub’s operations.
From Delhi Student Hangout to Goa Empire
The Luthra brothers built their hospitality empire starting with Mama’s Buoi on Delhi’s Hudson Lane around 2015, a hotspot for DU students that exploded in popularity. Post-lockdown tourism boom propelled their Goa venture, Romeo Lane in Vagator, into a nightlife staple. They expanded aggressively to Birch by Romeo Lane, Caha, and over 25 outlets across India, even entering Dubai markets, transforming modest beginnings into a multi-city chain before the December fire exposed safety lapses.
Phuket Flight Timing Fuels Escape Suspicions
The brothers booked Phuket flights just 30 minutes after the blaze erupted, prompting Goa authorities to request passport suspension under Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967. MEA complied, stranding them abroad, while Interpol issued a Blue Corner notice on Tuesday for information sharing. Family lawyers claim Saurabh’s December 6 trip was pre-planned for restaurant scouting, insisting both wish to return voluntarily despite the mounting evidence against them.
Safety Violations and Legal Reckoning Ahead
Preliminary probes point to overcrowding, inadequate fire exits, and ignored safety norms at Birch, amplifying public outrage over the 25 deaths. With passports impounded and international alerts active, the Luthras face charges of negligence, potential culpable homicide, and now identity misuse, as Goa Police coordinate with Thai authorities for extradition while dissecting the club’s rapid expansion for regulatory breaches.
