Goa – The Ministry of External Affairs is examining a critical request from the Goa government concerning the Luthra brothers passport revocation following the devastating nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives. This development marks a significant step in efforts to bring the absconding club owners to justice after they fled the country shortly after the tragedy.
MEA Receives Formal Communication
The external affairs ministry has received official communication from the Goa government regarding the Luthra brothers passport situation. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the ministry is now processing the request to revoke the travel documents of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the nightclub where the deadly fire occurred.
According to officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the external affairs ministry is examining the Luthra brothers passport revocation request under the Passports Act of India, in line with extant rules. This examination process is crucial for preventing the accused from evading justice while abroad.
The request specifically targets both Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who co-owned Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa, where the devastating fire broke out at around midnight on December 6. The Luthra brothers passport revocation could significantly impact their ability to remain abroad or travel to other countries.
Legal Framework for Passport Revocation
The consideration of the Luthra brothers passport cancellation falls under the provisions of the Passports Act of India. This legislation provides the government with authority to revoke or impound passports under specific circumstances, particularly when passport holders are wanted in connection with serious criminal cases.
Officials emphasized that the external affairs ministry is following established procedures while examining the Luthra brothers passport revocation request. The process involves careful scrutiny to ensure compliance with all legal requirements before any action is taken against the travel documents.
Timeline of Events
The Luthra brothers left India shortly after the devastating fire at their nightclub in Arpora, located approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji. The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane at around midnight on December 6, resulting in the tragic loss of 25 lives.
The swift departure of the club owners immediately after the incident has raised serious questions about their intentions and potential awareness of the severity of safety violations at their establishment. The timing of their exit has become a critical factor in the investigation, making the Luthra brothers passport revocation all the more urgent.
Interpol Blue Corner Notice
At the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation, an Interpol Blue Corner notice has been issued for the Luthra brothers. This international alert is designed to collect additional information about persons of interest in criminal investigations and to locate, identify, or obtain information on individuals.
The Blue Corner notice complements the efforts to secure the Luthra brothers passport revocation, creating multiple layers of international pressure to locate and apprehend the absconding owners. This mechanism allows law enforcement agencies across countries to coordinate their efforts in tracking the wanted individuals.
Court Denies Interim Protection
A court in New Delhi refused on Wednesday to provide any interim protection from arrest to the Luthra brothers, whose partner was detained in connection with the fire. This judicial decision represents another setback for the absconding owners as they face mounting legal pressure.
The court’s refusal to grant interim relief strengthens the case for the Luthra brothers passport revocation, as it demonstrates the seriousness with which Indian courts are treating the matter. The denial of protection indicates that the legal system views the accusations against them as substantial and warranting immediate attention.
Also Read: Goa Nightclub Fire: Shocking Escape Plan of Luthra Brothers Exposed
Defense Arguments and Contentions
Lawyers representing the Luthra brothers have refuted allegations that their clients fled the country. The legal team contended that the brothers were away on a business trip rather than evading law enforcement. This defense strategy attempts to portray their departure as coincidental rather than calculated.
The brothers have also contended through their lawyers that they were only licensees, not owners, of the nightclub. Their defense further claims that because they were not involved in the club’s day-to-day activities, which were handled by the management team, they could not be held responsible for the tragedy.
These arguments, however, have not prevented authorities from pursuing the Luthra brothers passport revocation or other legal measures against them. The prosecution maintains that as operators of the establishment, they bear ultimate responsibility for safety standards.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
While the Luthra brothers remain abroad, the Goa police have made significant progress in the investigation. Five managers and staff members of the club have been arrested over the fire incident. These arrests demonstrate that authorities are pursuing accountability at multiple levels of the nightclub’s operations.
The partner of the Luthra brothers has also been detained in connection with the fire, further expanding the scope of the investigation. These developments underscore the gravity of the case and the determination of law enforcement to ensure justice for the 25 victims.
Implications of Passport Revocation
If approved, the Luthra brothers passport revocation would significantly limit their ability to travel internationally or remain legally in foreign countries. Many nations require valid passports for legal residence, and revocation could force them to either return to India or face immigration issues abroad.
The MEA’s consideration of this request represents a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for the nightclub fire victims and their families.
