Despite Lookout Notices and Airport Alerts, Goa Nightclub Owners Flee to Phuket on Indigo Flight After Deadly Fire

In a shocking twist to the Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, the prime accused and club owners — Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra — managed to flee the country within hours of the incident. What has raised serious questions is the fact that both men boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket at a time when hundreds of IndiGo flights were being cancelled nationwide — yet their particular flight operated without disruption.

Despite lookout circulars being issued and their photographs being pasted across airports, the accused escaped before authorities could stop them. Goa Police have now intensified the manhunt and are coordinating with the CBI’s Interpol Division to track and arrest the duo at the earliest.

Key Employee Detained in Delhi
On Monday, Goa Police detained a key staff member of the nightclub in Delhi. The employee, identified as Bharat Kohli, a resident of Subzi Mandi, handled day-to-day operations at the club. His name surfaced during the questioning of another manager. Kohli has since been brought to Goa for further interrogation.

Meanwhile, police teams also visited the Delhi residences of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. After finding them absconding, officers pasted legal notices on their gates, signalling that the duo is deliberately avoiding the investigation. In a social media post, Saurabh Luthra assured “full cooperation”, but police officials say evidence suggests otherwise.

The Tragic Incident
The devastating fire occurred late Saturday night at a nightclub located around 25 km from Panaji. The blaze killed 25 people, including 20 club employees and five tourists, four of whom were from Delhi. Five injured victims are currently being treated at Goa Medical College and Hospital.

Airports Were on High Alert — Yet They Escaped
After registering an FIR, Goa Police requested the Intelligence Bureau to issue lookout circulars against the accused by December 7. Immigration authorities across airports were alerted, and their photographs were circulated nationwide.

However, an investigation has revealed that both Saurabh and Gaurav boarded IndiGo Flight 6E 1073 to Phuket at 5:30 AM on December 7, barely hours after the tragedy. By the time Goa Police sent a team to Delhi for raids, the owners had already crossed Indian borders.

‘They Are Changing Locations Constantly’
Officials say the accused are frequently switching locations abroad to evade arrest. Multiple teams have been formed to trace them, and Goa Police are working closely with central agencies to bring them back.

Previously, the state’s Director General of Police confirmed FIRs against the club owners, the manager, investors, and several other individuals. Several staff members have been detained for questioning, but the prime suspects remain at large.

Another Man Detained in Delhi
In a fresh development, a man named Bhola has also been taken into custody in Delhi with the help of the local police. Investigators are examining his links with the nightclub and with the Luthra brothers. He has now been transported to Goa for further investigation.