Luthra Brothers Deported: Goa Police Secures Transit Remand

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the proprietors of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, have been remanded in transit for two days by the Goa Police following their deportation from Thailand. The brothers arrived in Delhi after fleeing to Phuket, just 90 minutes after a devastating fire at their establishment resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals on December 6.

The incident at the nightclub occurred late on a Saturday night, around 11:45 PM, when flames erupted during a crowded event. In a swift response to the tragedy, the brothers booked a flight to Thailand at 1:17 AM the following day, departing just hours later at 5:30 AM. The quick exit raised suspicions, prompting Indian authorities to issue a lookout notice approximately 24 hours after the fire.

The Indian government, working closely with Thai officials and international agencies, sought the brothers' deportation. This effort was aided by Interpol, who facilitated the issuance of a Blue Notice, a request for law enforcement worldwide to help locate and detain the individuals in question.

In the aftermath of the fire, the Ministry of External Affairs of India acted decisively by cancelling the Luthra brothers' passports, which had initially been seized. The Indian Embassy subsequently provided them with emergency travel documents to facilitate their return.

The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub has been at the centre of intense scrutiny following the tragic incident. The Luthra brothers, who operate a chain of hospitality venues under the Romeo Lane brand across 37 cities in India—including major urban centres such as Delhi, Gurugram, and Hyderabad—also have international operations in Dubai and London, with plans to expand into New York City.

As the situation unfolds, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra have attempted to present their case for anticipatory bail from a Delhi court, claiming that their trip to Thailand was for business purposes. However, the Goa Police have countered these assertions, asserting that the brothers have not cooperated with the ongoing investigation and have misled authorities regarding their activities.

The devastating fire and the subsequent actions of the Luthra brothers have sparked public outrage and raised questions about safety regulations in entertainment venues. The local community and families of the victims are demanding accountability and justice following the tragic loss of life, emphasising the need for stricter safety measures in such establishments.

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire and the Luthra brothers' actions leading up to it.