A Goa court on Thursday remanded Ajay Gupta, who claims to have been a silent partner and investor in the fire-ravaged ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, to police custody for seven days.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
- Arrest: Gupta was arrested in Delhi on Wednesday and brought to Goa on a transit remand.
- Court Hearing: He was produced before a court in Mapusa town.
- Custody Granted: The court granted the police seven days of custody, slightly less than the ten days that the Goa police had sought, according to Gupta’s lawyer, Rohan Desai.
- Cooperation Claim: Desai stated that his client is “completely cooperating with the investigating agency.”
Gupta’s Denial
As he was being escorted by the police, Gupta maintained his innocence to reporters, claiming he had no involvement in the deadly incident:
“I don’t know anything. I have no involvement. I was a sleeping partner and had no say in the operations of the club.”
Background of the Tragedy
The deadly fire occurred around midnight on December 6 at the nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing 25 persons, including 20 staff members and five tourists.
- Prior Arrests: Five managers and staff members were previously arrested by the Goa Police.
- Owners Detained: Brothers and co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, against whom an Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, and deportation is underway.