'Went to Thailand for work': Goa nightclub owners Luthra brothers' alibi for absence

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the proprietors of Birch by Romeo Lane, have approached a court in Delhi, requesting 4 weeks of anticipatory bail for transit, asserting their intention to return to India and assist with the investigation regarding the Goa nightclub fire that resulted in 25 fatalities. The application was submitted in the Rohini court of Delhi on December 10.

In their plea, the club owners stated that they were in Thailand for business purposes, not to evade legal consequences. "We wish to return," the Luthras expressed through their legal representative. They further contended that they did not manage the day-to-day operations of the Arpora club.

The defence attorney argued that the Luthras were merely licensees and not the actual owners of the nightclub. Mentioning that Look Out Circulars (LOCs) had been issued against the Luthras, the senior lawyer recited a statement from one of his clients, which said: "I simply want to return and pursue my legal options." He added, "My learned colleague (state counsel)," he remarked, "cannot possibly oppose my legal options."

The court has requested a response from the Goa Police and has allowed time for them to submit a reply. The case is scheduled to be reviewed tomorrow at noon.

The case

In the meantime, a beach shack owned by the brothers, who also run the Arpora nightclub where a tragic fire claimed 25 lives last week, is reportedly set to be demolished, as per media reports citing Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Officials indicated that bulldozers would be used to demolish Romeo Lane in Vagator, following the sealing of the restaurant, which was allegedly built on government property.

The investigation continues to concentrate on the unfortunate fire at Birch by Romeo Lane. In response to claims of police negligence, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma stated, "We have collaborated with the CBI and Interpol. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued."

As per police sources, on December 7, just hours after the tragic fire, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra took a flight from Delhi to Phuket, Thailand. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice against both brothers to assist in locating and provisionally detaining them while extradition proceedings are underway.

On Wednesday, Goa Police took Ajay Gupta, one of the four proprietors of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, to the Sunlight Colony Crime Branch office as part of the investigation into the recent fire tragedy in North Goa that resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals at the restaurant-cum-bar.

Gupta is scheduled to appear in court today as the investigation continues.

The incident

This development follows the devastating fire that erupted early Sunday morning at a nightclub in Arpora, leading to a tragic incident with a high number of casualties, primarily among the restaurant's staff. In response, the Government of Goa has established a committee to look into the matter.

Previously, a Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued for Gupta. When police visited his home in Delhi, they discovered he was missing; consequently, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him.

Additionally, the district administration has demolished a section of the Romeo Lane restaurant located in Vagator, Goa. This establishment is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who are also the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane.

Following the fire that resulted in 25 fatalities, the brothers have fled to Thailand and are currently being pursued by international law enforcement agencies.

Fires in urban India

Fire incidents and accidents are distressingly common in Indian cities, often described as a "creeping disaster" due to widespread safety norm violations, congested urban planning, and resource gaps in fire services. 

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data from 2022, India reported 7,566 fire incidents, which resulted in 7,435 deaths across the country. This translates to approximately 20 deaths per day. 

Key statistics, frequency

High mortality rate: India's fire mortality rate (approximately 5.4 per 100,000 people) is significantly higher than the global average (1.9).

Urban concentration: Urban areas, especially densely packed ones, are highly vulnerable. States with high urbanisation, such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, account for a significant proportion (about 30%) of the country's fire accident deaths.

Residential focus: A majority of fire accidents (around 50-60%) occur in residential buildings, indicating a considerable risk in dwelling places.

Recent trends: Specific cities often report high numbers. Delhi, for instance, saw a 37% increase in fire incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year. 

These reports detail the frequency of fire accidents and deaths across Indian cities, identifying major contributors such as electrical issues, cooking accidents, and non-adherence to safety norms.