Goa – Two Delhi-based entrepreneurs who fled India following a devastating nightclub fire in North Goa are expected to return to the national capital on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The Luthra brothers detained Thailand case has drawn nationwide attention after the December 5 tragedy claimed 25 lives at their establishment in Arpora.
Timeline of Events Leading to Detention
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra left India within hours of the fatal blaze that engulfed their nightclub in North Goa on December 5. The brothers, who operated the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, fled to Thailand as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The Luthra brothers detained Thailand development occurred last week when Thai law enforcement officials apprehended them at their hotel in Phuket, acting on a formal request from New Delhi.
The Indian government took swift action by impounding their passports and issuing a Blue notice through Interpol, an international alert system used to locate, identify, or obtain information about persons of interest in criminal investigations. This coordinated effort between Indian and Thai authorities resulted in the successful detention of the fugitive brothers.
Goa Police Prepares for Custody Transfer
A senior officer from Goa Police confirmed that arrangements are being made to take custody of the Luthra brothers detained Thailand once they arrive in Delhi. A specialized team from the state police force is being dispatched to New Delhi to secure their custody immediately upon their arrival at the airport. The officer stated that the team would depart for Delhi on Monday night to ensure they are present when the brothers exit the airport on Tuesday.
According to officials, the Luthra brothers detained Thailand will be produced before a Delhi court on Tuesday, where Goa Police will seek transit remand. This legal procedure is necessary to transfer the accused from Delhi jurisdiction to Goa, where the actual incident occurred and where they will face trial for the charges filed against them.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed
The First Information Report filed last Sunday contains serious charges against the brothers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Luthra brothers detained Thailand face charges under Section 105, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, a grave offense that reflects the loss of 25 lives in the incident. Additionally, they have been charged under Sections 125(a) and (b) for endangering life and personal safety, and Section 287 for negligent conduct with fire or combustible matter.
Legal representatives for the Luthras have reportedly traveled to Thailand and met with the brothers at the immigration detention center where they were being held. Before deportation to India could proceed, the Luthra brothers detained Thailand had to be presented before a Thai court, following standard international deportation procedures.
Emergency Travel Documents and Deportation Process
The Indian Embassy in Thailand played a crucial role in facilitating the return of the Luthra brothers detained Thailand by issuing emergency certificates. These documents became necessary after the Ministry of External Affairs first impounded and subsequently cancelled their original passports. The emergency certificates serve as temporary travel documents specifically issued to enable their deportation from Bangkok to India.
Other Accused in the Nightclub Fire Case
The investigation has expanded beyond the Luthra brothers detained Thailand, with authorities identifying multiple individuals allegedly responsible for the tragedy. Six people have been arrested so far, including five managerial staff members and Ajay Gupta, identified as a business partner of the Luthras in running the nightclub at Arpora.
Police are actively searching for a seventh suspect, Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British national who owns the property. Khosla reportedly signed a 2023 lease agreement with Being GS Hospitality Goa Arpora LLP, the firm under which the nightclub operated. The Luthra brothers and Gupta are listed as partners in this entity. Khosla is believed to be outside India, and authorities are working to trace his whereabouts.
Regulatory Violations Uncovered
Investigations have revealed serious regulatory lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy. Police officials disclosed that the property housing the nightclub lacked essential documentation and approvals. The establishment operated without a construction license, occupancy certificate, or fire department No Objection Certificate. Furthermore, the property was facing a demolition notice at the time of the incident, raising questions about how the nightclub was allowed to function despite these glaring violations.
Impact and Aftermath
The Luthra brothers detained Thailand case highlights the serious consequences of negligence in public safety regulations. As the brothers prepare to face Indian courts, the families of the 25 victims await justice. The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in entertainment establishments across Goa and other tourist destinations in India. The expected arrival of the Luthra brothers detained Thailand on Tuesday will mark the beginning of formal legal proceedings in this tragic case.
