Indian authorities have confirmed the detention in Thailand of two brothers sought in connection with a catastrophic nightclub fire in Goa that resulted in 25 fatalities. Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, proprietors of the Birch By Romeo Lane establishment, were apprehended in Phuket after fleeing India shortly following the Sunday morning incident.
Nagesh Singh, India’s Ambassador to Thailand, stated publicly on Thursday that the brothers will be repatriated to India. This development occurred one day after a Delhi court rejected their petition for protection from arrest, prompting the Goa state government to formally request the revocation of their passports through India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The devastating blaze erupted in the early hours of Sunday within a popular nightlife district of the tourist-centric state. Preliminary investigations indicate pyrotechnics ignited inside the venue triggered the rapid conflagration. Among the deceased, most were club employees while five victims were identified as international tourists.
While the Luthra brothers have maintained public silence since the tragedy, their legal representative asserted in court proceedings that they were subjected to a ‘witch hunt.’ Saurabh Luthra, identified on social media as chairman of the operating company, posted a statement Monday expressing ‘profound grief’ and promising the management’s ‘unwavering solidarity’ with affected families alongside commitments of full cooperation.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant disclosed Wednesday that six individuals have already been arrested regarding the incident, with additional arrests anticipated. Indian investigators revealed that upon raiding the brothers’ Delhi residence hours after the fire, they discovered the suspects had already fled the country, necessitating Interpol assistance in the international manhunt.
Goa, renowned for its beaches and vibrant tourism industry, faces renewed scrutiny over safety regulations in its entertainment venues following this tragic event.