Panaji: In a major breakthrough in the Goa nightclub fire investigation, the absconding owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra have been detained in Thailand. A Goa Police team has reached Thailand, and both brothers will be arrested the moment they land in India.
Earlier, acting on Goa Police’s request, the Ministry of External Affairs had suspended the passports of both accused.
Owners of ‘Bourch by Romeo Lane’
The Luthra brothers owned Bourch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in Arpora where a devastating fire killed 25 people. Their detention comes amid a massive crackdown on nightclub owners and establishments across Goa following the tragedy.
Were Trying to Flee Thailand
Sources said the duo was attempting to escape from Thailand when their passports were suspended late Wednesday evening. The police had been tracking their movement and finally traced them to a popular tourist hotspot known for various illegal activities.
Stayed in a Resort Homestay to Avoid Detection
According to officials, the brothers selected Thailand because it offers visa-on-arrival entry, making it an easy hideout. Instead of booking a hotel—which would require biometric checks, passport deposit, and centralized record-keeping—they opted for a homestay at a resort to avoid any digital trail.
Their Anticipatory Bail Plea Rejected
On Wednesday, the Luthra brothers moved a Delhi court seeking four weeks of anticipatory bail, claiming they were in Thailand for a “business meeting.” The Rohini District & Sessions Court refused interim protection and fixed the hearing for Thursday. They also sought protection from coercive action upon returning to India.
The brothers claimed they left India on December 6 for business-related meetings and site visits for potential restaurant projects.
Goa Police Counters Their Claim
Goa Police opposed their plea, stating flight records prove the brothers booked their tickets at 1:17 am on December 7, when firefighters were still rescuing people from the burning nightclub. Within hours of the tragedy, the duo flew from Delhi to Phuket.
INTERPOL had issued a Blue Corner Notice to help locate the brothers and facilitate their temporary detention pending extradition.
Other Arrests in the Case
Meanwhile, Goa Police produced businessman Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the nightclub, before the Sunlight Colony Crime Branch in connection with the fire incident.
Five other employees have also been arrested:
- Rajiv Modak – Chief General Manager
- Vivek Singh – General Manager
- Rajiv Singhania – Bar Manager
- Riyanshu Thakur – Gate Manager
- Bharat Kohli – Staff member
The arrests continue as part of an intensified probe into the catastrophic fire that claimed 25 lives.
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