New Delhi: The probe into the Goa nightclub inferno that claimed 25 lives has intensified, with police detaining co-owner Ajay Gupta from Delhi, even as two other partners remain on the run.
The tragedy at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, located near the backwaters of the Arpora River in the busy Baga area, occurred around midnight on Sunday. The club’s narrow entry and exit points are believed to be a key reason why many victims were unable to escape in time, police officials said.
The fire left 25 people dead, including four tourists and 14 staff members. The identities of seven victims are yet to be officially confirmed. Six others sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
With Gupta’s detention, the total number of people taken into custody has risen to six. Police sources said he will be formally arrested after completion of legal procedures to bring him to Goa. A Look Out Circular (LOC) had earlier been issued against him after a Goa Police team failed to trace him at his Delhi residence.
Two other owners of the nightclub, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, remain absconding. A blue corner Interpol notice has been issued against them. Investigators suspect the duo fled to Phuket, Thailand, in what has been described as a well-planned escape executed within five hours of the blaze.
According to police inputs, the Luthra brothers boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket at around 5.30 a.m. on Sunday, hours after the fire. A Look Out Circular against them was issued only later on Sunday evening, by which time they had already left the country.
So far, five others have been arrested in connection with the case: chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and an employee, Bharat Kohli.
On Monday, a Goa Police raiding team visited the Luthra brothers’ homes in Delhi and pasted notices on the walls after failing to locate them, as efforts to track their movements continue.
(Inputs from IANS)