Mumbai: In a major development in the investigation into the deadly Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives earlier this month, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the ill-fated nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, have been deported from Thailand to India. The brothers had fled the country within hours of the tragic blaze, triggering widespread outrage and raising serious questions about accountability and safety violations.
The fire broke out on December 6 during a musical event at the popular Arpora nightclub, turning what was meant to be a festive evening into a horrific tragedy. As panic spread inside the packed venue, several guests found themselves trapped due to the lack of emergency exits and basic fire safety infrastructure. Twenty-five people lost their lives, while several others sustained serious injuries.
According to investigators, the Luthra brothers were reportedly attending a wedding in Delhi when news of the fire reached them. Instead of returning to Goa, they allegedly left India for Phuket, Thailand, shortly after becoming aware of the scale of the disaster. Goa Police subsequently registered cases against them under charges related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence, and violations of safety regulations.
Thai authorities detained Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra on December 9 after they stepped out of their hotel in Bangkok. During routine verification, officials discovered that the two were wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies in connection with the Goa nightclub fire. After confirming their identities and travel records, Thai officials initiated deportation proceedings in coordination with Indian authorities.
The brothers were deported from Bangkok and flown to Delhi, where they are expected to be produced before the Patiala House Court for remand proceedings. Goa Police officials are set to formally arrest them upon arrival at the Delhi airport before escorting them to Goa for further investigation, likely later today.
Preliminary findings of the probe have revealed alarming safety lapses at Birch by Romeo Lane. Investigators have stated that the club lacked emergency exits, functioning fire extinguishers, and fire alarm systems. Additionally, the approach road to the venue was reportedly too narrow for fire engines to gain timely access, significantly hampering rescue efforts. Authorities have also alleged that the club was operating without mandatory licences and fire safety clearances.
The fire is suspected to have been triggered during an indoor fire performance, which was allegedly conducted without adequate safety precautions. Despite prior warnings and norms governing such events, the management is accused of ignoring critical safety requirements, ultimately leading to one of Goa’s deadliest nightlife disasters in recent years.
