In a significant development in the investigation of the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, the absconding owners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane,’ Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, police sources said.
They will be brought back to India.
The detention comes less than 24 hours after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) suspended their passports, effectively grounding their international travel and strengthening India’s efforts to secure their return.
The brothers had fled India within hours of the fire, to evade arrest, which occurred in the early hours of December 6 at their Arpora nightclub, raising serious questions about safety compliance.
Investigations revealed multiple irregularities, including the absence of mandatory fire safety, no objection certificates, overcrowding, and narrow exit doors that hindered evacuation.
An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued to trace their whereabouts and prevent them from traveling to another country.
The brothers moved a Delhi court for anticipatory bail to avoid arrest. A Delhi court on Wednesday denied relief to the Luthra brothers and refused to give them immediate protection, posting the matter for Thursday.
Meanwhile, Goa Police have also taken co-owner Ajay Gupta into custody for questioning, as part of the ongoing probe, and several staff members, including managers and operational heads, are already under arrest.
MEA officials confirmed that the passport suspension was carried out under Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967, which not only invalidates travel but also enables the government to initiate deportation proceedings with Thai authorities. Sources said the MEA received a formal communication from the Government of Goa requesting the revocation of the brothers’ passports, which is being processed under existing legal provisions.
The fire claimed the lives of both staff members and tourists, and authorities are determined to ensure accountability.
