At least 25 people were killed and several others injured after a devastating fire broke out in a Goa nightclub over the weekend. Birch owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra flew out of the country mere hours after the tragedy — escaping to Thailand even as the police launched a manhunt for their arrest. Interpol has now issued a notice seeking information about their whereabouts and activities.
According to an update from the office of the Goa Chief Minister, Interpol has issued Blue Corner notice against ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. CM Pramod Sawant has also passed orders for the razing of the Romeo Lane beach shack owned by the duo in Vagator.
Police investigations so far have indicated multiple irregularities at the Birch entertainment venue, including the absence of a No Objection Certificate from the fire department and the issuance of a licence without proper documentation. Fire officials had earlier indicated that the club — located on the backwater of the Arpora river — had small exit doors connected only by a narrow bridge. This had severely hampered the escape of people during the blaze.
Where are the Luthra brothers?
A statement by the Goa Police explained that the Luthra brothers fled to Phuket by 5:30 am on Sunday. The development came to light after a police team was dispatched to conduct raids in Delhi — eventually pasting a notice on the gate of their house. Immigration records subsequently confirmed that they had departed via IndiGo flight 6E 1073.
Saurabh Luthra had also taken to social media early on Monday to express “profound grief” over the incident. He had also vowed to provide assistance, support, and cooperation to the victims’ families in “every possible form” as the police conducted searches to trace him.
“The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch,” Saurabh Luthra said via Instagram.
What is an Interpol Blue Corner notice?
A Blue Notice is issued by Interpol to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. The CBI remains in touch with the international agency following a request from the Goa Police to track the fugitives. The Red Notice — which calls for detention of the fugitive — can only be issued after a charge sheet is filed and a non-bailable warrant is issued against the wanted person.