The Goa Police has formally arrested the Luthra brothers — Gaurav and Saurabh — at immigration control at the New Delhi International airport on Tuesday after they were deported from Thailand. The brothers are the owners of the Goa nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ where 25 people were killed in a fire on December 6.
The siblings fled to Phuket on the morning after the tragic blaze. They were located and detained by Thai authorities at a resort following India’s request to suspend their passports and seek their deportation. The Indian law enforcement team coordinated with Thai officials to complete the formalities for their return. An extradition treaty between India and Thailand, in force since 2015, facilitated the process. Thai officials confirmed that proper legal procedures were followed, resulting in the prompt and lawful handover of the brothers.
Upon arrival in Delhi, the Luthras were handed over to the Goa Police and will be produced before the Patiala House court in the national capital. After the court proceedings, they will be escorted to Goa to face further investigation and legal action.
The tragic incident at Birch by Romeo Lane occurred during a fire show organised by the Luthra brothers on December 6. The Goa Police registered a criminal case at the Arpora Anjuna Police Station in North Goa on December 7. According to the FIR, the event was conducted without proper precautions and safety equipment. The nightclub lacked emergency exit doors on both the ground and deck floors, a fact known to the owners.
The fire engulfed the venue quickly, claiming the lives of 25 people, including tourists and staff, and leaving many others seriously injured. Investigations by the Goa Police are ongoing, focusing on negligence, fire safety violations, and possible lapses in following legal protocols related to public safety.
Authorities in Thailand acted after receiving formal communication from India. The brothers’ detention and deportation underscore the cooperation between the two countries in handling high-profile criminal cases. Officials emphasised that due process was maintained at every step of the handover.
The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into one of Goa’s deadliest nightclub fires in recent years. Law enforcement agencies in India have indicated that charges against the brothers will cover culpable homicide and violations of safety regulations, with further action dependent on ongoing inquiries and forensic reports.
The tragic fire has sparked a nationwide conversation about fire safety in entertainment venues, highlighting gaps in enforcement of safety standards. Authorities have called for stricter inspections and safety audits across similar establishments to prevent future disasters.
