New Delhi, Dec 17 : The Goa Police on Wednesday took brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora, to Goa after a Delhi court granted a two day transit remand, marking a significant development in the investigation into the deadly nightclub fire earlier this month.
Visuals from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport early Wednesday showed the two brothers in police custody. They were brought to the national capital on Tuesday following their deportation from Thailand, where they had allegedly fled after the December 6 fire at their nightclub.
Upon their arrival in Delhi, the Goa Police formally arrested the duo and produced them before the Patiala House Court, seeking permission to take them to Goa for further investigation. The court granted a 48-hour transit remand, directing the police to ensure that the accused are provided with all necessary medicines during transit.
Court’s order
Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Chawla granted the two-day transit remand. While the prosecution sought a three-day remand, citing logistical and procedural requirements for safe transportation, the court limited the remand period to 48 hours and laid down specific conditions relating to the medical care of the accused.
Fire during show left 25 dead
According to the prosecution, the fire broke out during a fire show organised at the nightclub in North Goa’s Arpora area. Preliminary investigations indicate that the event was held without adequate safety measures, including proper firefighting equipment and emergency evacuation arrangements.
The blaze claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff members, and left several others injured. Investigators have also alleged that the nightclub lacked emergency exit doors on both the ground and deck floors at the time of the incident.
Case registered under BNS
A criminal case was registered on December 7 at the Arpora Anjuna Police Station under sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b) and 287, read with section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to negligence and acts endangering human life, officials said.
From Thailand detention to Goa custody
The Luthra brothers were detained by Thai authorities in Phuket after Indian agencies initiated steps to suspend their passports and sought their deportation. Officials said the deportation was carried out following due legal process under the India–Thailand extradition framework.
With the accused now being taken to Goa, investigators are expected to question them on compliance with safety norms, event permissions, and their role in organising the fire show that led to one of the deadliest nightclub fires in Goa’s recent history.