The investigation into the tragic Goa nightclub fire has entered a crucial phase as Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane club, are being deported from Thailand to India. The brothers had left the country soon after the deadly blaze that killed 25 people in North Goa, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
Visuals circulating online from a Thailand airport show the Luthra brothers under the escort of officials, confirming their return. Law enforcement sources said that immediately after their arrival in Delhi, both men will be taken into custody and formally arrested as part of the ongoing criminal investigation. They are expected to be later transferred to Goa for further questioning.
Following the December 6 incident, Goa Police had intensified efforts to trace the accused owners. A Look Out Circular was issued to prevent them from evading Indian authorities, and international assistance was sought through an Interpol Blue Notice to locate their whereabouts abroad. Their passports were subsequently cancelled on the request of the Goa government, a move that led to their detention and deportation by Thai authorities.
Legal hurdles for the Luthra brothers deepened after a Delhi court recently rejected their plea seeking temporary protection from arrest. The court’s decision allowed investigating agencies to proceed with their detention upon arrival, marking a major breakthrough in the case.
The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora remains one of the deadliest nightlife tragedies in Goa’s recent history. Twenty-five people, including club employees and tourists, lost their lives, while several others were injured. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been sparked by indoor fireworks during a live event.
Fire department officials noted serious safety failures at the venue. Narrow exits, limited escape routes and a restricted access bridge reportedly trapped people inside the club. Rescue teams also faced delays as fire engines could not reach the spot quickly due to infrastructure constraints, worsening the impact of the disaster.
