The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is rexamining a request from the Goa government to cancel the passports of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub where 25 people tragically died in a fire according to sources. The ministry received a formal communication seeking action under the provisions of the Passports Act.
Owners Book Flights Minutes After Blaze
Investigations revealed that the Luthra brothers booked tickets to Thailand just minutes after the deadly fire broke out at their Arpora-based nightclub in North Goa around midnight on December 6. Reports indicate that the duo booked flights via the MMT platform at 1:17 am on December 7, even as Goa Police and Fire Services were struggling to rescue those trapped inside.
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra had fled to Phuket, Thailand, following the tragedy. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued against them, and the brothers sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail so that they would not be immediately arrested upon returning to Delhi. However, a Delhi court denied interim relief on Wednesday, posting their plea for hearing on Thursday.
Transit Remand for Club Co-Owner Ajay Gupta
In a separate development, a Delhi court allowed Goa Police a 36-hour transit remand of Ajay Gupta, another co-owner of the nightclub. The court directed that special consideration be given to Gupta’s spinal injury and medical needs, ensuring timely medication during custody.
During the transit remand, Gupta is expected to face detailed questioning regarding the club’s operations, management, and compliance with fire-safety regulations. So far, authorities have arrested five people in connection with the incident, including the nightclub’s chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli.