Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers deported from Thailand, held in Delhi
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New Delhi: Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, brothers and co-owners of the Goa nightclub where a fire claimed 25 lives, arrived in Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand.
Upon landing, the two were handed over to Indian authorities at the airport and taken into custody for further legal proceedings. Sources said they are expected to be produced before a Delhi court.
The fatal fire broke out on December 6 at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, triggering serious concerns over alleged fire safety violations and lapses by the management. Following the incident, a case of culpable homicide and negligence was registered against the brothers — Gaurav (44) and Saurabh (40).
Investigators have alleged that the nightclub was operating in violation of mandatory safety norms, which contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
The deportation came after the brothers were detained in Phuket on December 11. The Indian mission intervened and coordinated closely with Thai authorities. The Indian government subsequently cancelled their passports and submitted a dossier to Thai authorities, alleging their involvement in the deaths and formally seeking their deportation.
An Interpol Blue Corner Notice had been issued against the brothers after they left the country shortly after the incident.
In connection with the case, Goa Police have arrested five managers and staff members of the nightclub. Officials said further arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court on Monday converted a civil suit against Birch by Romeo Lane into a public interest litigation, observing that “someone has to be held accountable” for the tragedy.
India and Thailand signed an Extradition Treaty in 2013, which came into force in June 2015.
With PTI inputs