The owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, where a devastating fire killed at least 25 people on Saturday night, have fled the country. Goa Police confirmed that Delhi-based brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra flew to Phuket, Thailand, roughly six hours after the tragedy began.
The police have stated that the Luthra brothers’ immediate departure “shows their intent” to avoid the ongoing investigation.
Flight to Phuket and Legal Action
- Departure: The Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai confirmed that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra took IndiGo flight 6E 1073 (New Delhi to Phuket) at 5:30 AM on Sunday, December 7, having left immediately after the fire started around midnight. This news comes amid widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo across India.
- Police Response: Goa Police are now coordinating with the CBI’s Interpol division to apprehend the two brothers at the earliest. The Delhi Police confirmed that the CBI has approached Interpol for a blue notice against the Luthra brothers.
- Charges: The Luthra brothers have been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 105), acts endangering life and personal safety (Section 125), and negligent conduct with respect to fire (Section 287).
Delhi Police also visited the Luthra family residence in Outram Lines, Kingsway Camp, to question the mother regarding her sons’ whereabouts.
The Fire Tragedy
The fire ripped through the 300 square meter nightclub in Arpora around 11:45 PM on Saturday, killing 25 people (20 staffers and 5 tourists) and injuring six. Authorities suspect the blaze was caused by electrically detonated pyroguns set off during a belly dancing program.
The death toll was intensified by multiple safety lapses, including:
- Inadequate number of exits
- A thatched roof
- Stacks of alcohol
- Use of pyroguns