Thai authorities have taken into custody Delhi-based entrepreneurs Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, days after a tragic fire at their Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, claimed 25 lives.
The brothers, known for the Romeo Lane restaurant chain operating across four countries, reportedly flew to Phuket hours after the fire erupted in Arpora, North Goa.
Indian authorities are expected to formally arrest and deport them to face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with allegations of gross negligence.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the suspension of their passports under Section 10A of the Passports Act 1967, preventing any further travel abroad. Sources indicate that authorities are likely to cancel their passports as legal proceedings continue.
The blaze broke out late Saturday night during a music event attended by nearly 100 people, many of whom were tourists.
Preliminary investigations suggest that electric firecrackers used during the performance may have ignited flammable decorations, while the club lacked functioning fire extinguishers and alarm systems.
Narrow access roads prevented fire engines from reaching the venue promptly, delaying rescue efforts. Toxic smoke inhalation killed most victims, including five tourists and 20 staff members, in the basement.
Goa Police teams, collaborating with Delhi authorities, discovered that the Luthra brothers had departed almost immediately after the fire. Authorities arrested four club employees and took their business associate, Ajay Gupta, into custody in Delhi.
The Luthra brothers have filed a plea for anticipatory bail in Delhi, claiming they only held the licence and were not the owners of the building. They requested four weeks’ transit anticipatory bail to avoid arrest upon return, insisting their trip to Thailand was for business and not to evade law enforcement.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has promised strict action, calling for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies during the peak tourist season.
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