NEW DELHI: Goa Police on Tuesday formally arrested brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra at the immigration control of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, following their deportation from Thailand. A special team of the Goa Police was present at the airport to take custody of the accused.
The Luthra brothers, owners of the Goa-based nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, are accused in connection with the devastating fire incident on December 6 in which 25 people, including tourists and staff members, lost their lives. The brothers had fled to Phuket the morning after the incident but were subsequently detained by Thai authorities and deported to India.
After their arrival, the accused were taken into custody and will be produced before the Patiala House Court in New Delhi. Thereafter, the Goa Police will bring them to Goa for further legal proceedings.
According to officials, the deportation followed India’s request to suspend the brothers’ passports and seek their return. Thai Police detained the duo from a resort in Phuket, and the deportation was carried out in accordance with due legal process under the India–Thailand extradition treaty, which has been in force since 2015. Indian law enforcement agencies coordinated closely with Thai authorities to facilitate their lawful handover.
The Goa Police had registered FIR No. dated December 7 at Arpora Anjuna Police Station, North Goa, under Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b) and 287 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
As per the FIR, the accused organised a fire show at Birch by Romeo Lane on December 6 without adequate safety arrangements, fire prevention measures or necessary permissions. The blaze allegedly broke out during the show, resulting in the death of 25 people and serious injuries to several others.
Investigators further stated that the restaurant lacked emergency exit doors on the ground and deck floors, despite which the fire show was conducted, leading to the tragic loss of lives. Further investigation into the case is underway.
