Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, five days after fleeing India. The brothers had boarded an IndiGo flight from Delhi just hours after the tragic blaze ripped through the Arpora-based club late Saturday night.
A Look-Out Circular (LOC) and Interpol Blue Notice had been issued against them as Goa Police intensified efforts to track their movements. Sources confirmed that a special police team will now travel to Thailand to formally take custody of the duo and bring them back to India to face trial.
Suspicious Escape Amid Firefighting Efforts
Investigators uncovered that the brothers booked their tickets at 1:17 am on December 7 a time when firefighters were still battling the flames and rescuers were struggling to save those trapped inside the venue. Their departure during ongoing rescue operations immediately raised red flags.
The brothers, refusing to return voluntarily, later approached a Rohini court seeking anticipatory bail. They argued they were not involved in day-to-day club operations and were being targeted unfairly. They also claimed their Thailand trip was pre-planned for business, not an attempt to evade arrest.
Safety Violations and Criminal Negligence
The Goa Police FIR paints a grim picture of severe safety lapses at Birch by Romeo Lane:
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No fire extinguishers
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No alarms or suppression systems
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No documented fire audit
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No emergency exits on the deck or ground floor
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Fire performance conducted despite known risks
Authorities say these violations directly contributed to guests being trapped as flames engulfed the structure.
The blaze was initially believed to be caused by a cylinder explosion, but investigations now suggest negligence during a fire act inside the club triggered the deadly inferno.
Crackdown on Illegal Structures
A second establishment owned by the Luthra brothers a beach shack in Goa was recently demolished for being illegally constructed and lacking safety clearances.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Madhav vowed strict action, warning other nightlife businesses to upgrade safety measures or face immediate closure.
More Arrests in the Case
Earlier, Delhi-based co-owner Ajay Gupta was detained. He later told India Today TV that he was only a “sleeping partner” and unaware of operational lapses. Five other staff members including general managers, bar managers, and gate staff are already under arrest.
With the detention of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra in Thailand, authorities say the investigation is now moving into its final and most critical phase.
