Goa – The Goa Police detained Ajay Gupta on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the investigation of the devastating Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives. Gupta, identified as an alleged partner of the Luthra brothers who owned the fire-ravaged establishment, was apprehended following the issuance of a Look Out Circular. This detention comes as authorities intensify efforts to bring all responsible parties to justice after one of the deadliest fire tragedies in recent Goan history.
Look Out Circular Issued Against Multiple Suspects
A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against the detained Gupta and another individual identified as Surinder Kumar Khosla, according to a senior police official. Both suspects came under the police scanner hours after the owners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Thailand on Sunday morning, just hours after the Goa nightclub fire tragedy unfolded on Saturday.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Varsha Sharma confirmed the LOC issuance during a press conference at Anjuna police station in North Goa. Sharma revealed that Khosla holds British citizenship, adding an international dimension to the investigation. The Look Out Circular is a crucial mechanism that alerts immigration authorities at all exit points to prevent suspects from leaving the country.
The Deadly Fire Incident
The Goa nightclub fire broke out at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ establishment located in Arpora village of Goa on Saturday. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 25 people, making it one of the most catastrophic fire incidents in the state’s hospitality sector. The first alert regarding the Goa nightclub fire was received by police at 12:04 am on Sunday, triggering an immediate emergency response from fire services and law enforcement.
The scale of casualties has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about safety standards, fire prevention measures, and regulatory compliance in commercial entertainment establishments. Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify all factors that contributed to the high death toll.
Swift Escape of Nightclub Owners
In a dramatic turn of events following the Goa nightclub fire, the Luthra brothers managed to flee the country within a remarkably short timeframe. Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav, prominent Delhi businessmen, fled the country merely five hours after the fire at their nightclub. The owners boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from New Delhi to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 am on Sunday, according to Goa Police records.
Flight tracking data confirmed that the aircraft landed in Phuket after 11 am on Sunday. The swift departure of the owners, occurring so soon after the Goa nightclub fire tragedy, has raised serious concerns about their awareness of the incident and potential attempts to evade legal accountability. Police reached the Luthras’ residence in Delhi on Monday, but by then the owners had already left the country.
Look-Out Notice and Pursuit
Recognizing the urgency of the situation following the Goa nightclub fire, authorities acted swiftly to prevent further escapes. A look-out notice against the Luthra brothers was issued via the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) on Sunday evening. However, this action came too late to prevent their departure, as they had already left Indian territory hours earlier.
The Bureau of Immigration maintains databases and alert systems at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings. The look-out notice ensures that if the Luthra brothers attempt to return to India, they will be immediately detained by immigration authorities.
Five Arrests Made in Investigation
The Goa Police have made significant progress in their investigation of the Goa nightclub fire, having arrested five individuals so far. Those taken into custody include the nightclub’s chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and Bharat Kohli. These arrests reflect the police’s approach of holding various levels of management accountable for the tragic incident.
Investigators are examining whether these individuals failed to implement adequate safety measures, ignored fire safety regulations, or contributed to conditions that led to the catastrophic outcome of the Goa nightclub fire. Their roles in the nightclub’s daily operations make them crucial sources of information about safety protocols and operational procedures.
Ongoing Investigation and Accountability
The detention of Ajay Gupta represents another step in building a comprehensive case regarding the Goa nightclub fire. Authorities are working to establish the complete ownership structure of the establishment and identify all parties who may bear responsibility for safety lapses. The investigation involves examining fire safety certifications, building permits, occupancy limits, and emergency evacuation procedures.
As the probe into the Goa nightclub fire continues, authorities face the challenge of securing the return of the Luthra brothers from Thailand and ensuring that all responsible parties face appropriate legal consequences. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations across Goa’s hospitality and entertainment sectors to prevent similar disasters in the future.
