Authorities Detain Goa Nightclub Co-Owner After Fatal Fire

Police located and detained Ajay Gupta in Delhi on Wednesday following an intensified search. Earlier, authorities had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gupta and co-owner Surinder Kumar Khosla amid the investigation into the fatal fire.

Gupta had initially avoided police during a visit to his residence in Delhi but was later traced and taken into custody.

Officials stated that they would formally arrest him after completing the necessary legal procedures to bring him to Goa.

Investigators are continuing their hunt for the two other nightclub owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who remain at large.

Police issued a blue corner INTERPOL notice against the brothers as part of ongoing efforts to track their location.

Evidence suggests the Luthras fled to Phuket, Thailand, in a pre-planned escape within five hours of the fire.

Raiding teams in Delhi visited their homes and pasted notices after failing to locate them.

Authorities had previously arrested five individuals connected to the nightclub. These included chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli.

These arrests are central to investigations into the lapses that contributed to the high casualty count.

Fire Incident Details

The devastating blaze erupted around midnight on Sunday at the nightclub near the Arpora River in the Baga area, a well-known tourist spot.

Narrow entry and exit points at the venue reportedly prevented many patrons from escaping in time. The fire claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members, while six others were injured and are undergoing treatment.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of seven victims. Officials are probing the cause of the fire and evaluating safety violations at the nightclub.

The tragedy has raised urgent concerns about adherence to safety protocols in entertainment venues, particularly those in heavily visited tourist locations.

Authorities continue to emphasise accountability for all nightclub owners and management personnel.

Goa Police have intensified efforts to trace Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra while completing formalities to bring Ajay Gupta to Goa.

The ongoing investigation aims to secure justice for victims and prevent similar incidents in the future.

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