NEW DELHI: Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Goa nightclub, were detained by Thai Police early Thursday at the request of Indian authorities, sources confirmed.
The duo fled India after last week’s devastating blaze at their establishment, which claimed 25 lives.
The brothers had travelled to Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the incident. Thai authorities on Thursday released photographs showing the two in custody. They are expected to be deported and handed over to Indian agencies, with an Indian team already in Thailand to facilitate the process, sources said.
Rapid Interpol Action
Following the tragedy, Goa Police approached the Interpol through the Ministry of External Affairs and the CBI, seeking assistance in tracing the accused. A Blue Corner Notice was issued against the Luthras within two days—a process that typically takes about a week, officials said.
A Blue Notice is issued to gather information about an individual’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation, and helps prevent suspects from fleeing to additional countries.
Extradition Pathway Clear
India and Thailand signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which has been in force since June 29, 2015. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told TOI that a team would be sent to Thailand to bring the accused back to India.
Meanwhile, the Regional Passport Office in New Delhi has issued a notice to both brothers seeking an explanation as to why their passports should not be impounded within seven days.
Escape Hours After the Fire
A Goa Police team reached Delhi on Sunday with an arrest warrant and conducted searches at the Luthras’ home and office, but they were missing. “Since they were unavailable, a notice under the appropriate sections of law was pasted at their residence,” a senior police officer said.
By the evening of December 7, the Bureau of Immigration issued a lookout circular for both men. Investigators later learned that the brothers had boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket at 5:30 am on Sunday, just hours after the fire.
How the Blaze Unfolded
The fire erupted around 11:45 pm on Saturday during an event attended by more than 150 tourists. A preliminary inquiry by Goa Police and the Directorate of Fire Services revealed that the blaze was sparked when electric firecrackers struck the wooden ceiling, causing flames to rapidly spread through the roof. While many guests managed to escape, several were trapped in the basement area after the exit route caught fire.
