Delhi Court Denies Bail to Goa Club Owners as Thailand Detention Looms

A Delhi court has rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. The brothers are the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a fire killed 25 people. They fled to Thailand after the tragedy and are now detained there.

The Rohini Court’s decision on Thursday removes a key legal shield for the accused. This clears a major hurdle for their potential extradition to India to face charges related to the deadly Goa nightclub fire.

Legal Path Clears for Extradition After Fatal Blaze

The Luthra brothers had sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail. Their lawyers argued this would prevent immediate arrest upon their return to Delhi from Thailand. The court dismissed this plea, according to PTI reports.

This legal move is significant. It allows Indian authorities to seek the brothers’ custody directly upon their arrival. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated the CBI and Goa Police are working to bring them back swiftly.

The fire occurred on December 7 in North Goa. It injured six people in addition to the 25 fatalities. Early investigations point to serious safety violations at the upscale venue.

From Forbes Featured to Fugitives: The Owners’ Profile

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were prominent figures in India’s hospitality scene. Saurabh Luthra, Chairman of the Romeo Lane chain, was once featured in Forbes India. His company’s website describes him as a gold medalist engineer turned restaurateur.

Their business included popular venues in Delhi, Goa, and Gurgaon. The swift fall from success to fugitive status has shocked the industry. The tragedy has put a harsh spotlight on safety enforcement at high-end entertainment spots.

Authorities have already arrested five staff members from the club. Those detained include the general manager and bar manager. A co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was also previously taken into custody in Delhi.

The rejection of bail marks a critical step toward accountability for the tragic Goa nightclub fire. Indian officials now face the complex task of securing the brothers’ return from Thailand to proceed with the investigation.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the Goa nightclub fire?

Police initially cited a cylinder blast. Survivors reported fireworks being set off during a dancer’s performance, which may have ignited the blaze. An official investigation into the exact cause is ongoing.

Who else has been arrested in this case?

Five club staff members, including managers, have been arrested. Another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was taken into custody earlier. The primary owners remain detained in Thailand.

What is an Interpol Blue Corner Notice?

It is a request to locate, identify, or obtain information on a person of interest in a criminal investigation. It was issued against the Luthra brothers to aid in their detention abroad.

What happens to the Luthra brothers now?

They remain in detention in Thailand. Indian authorities must now navigate extradition or deportation processes to bring them back to India to face charges related to the fire.