Goa Nightclub Fire: Owners Booked Thailand Escape As Blaze Raged, Police Reveal

Two nightclub owners fled to Thailand as firefighters battled a deadly blaze at their venue in Goa. Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are accused in the Arpora fire that killed 25 people last December. Officials confirm they booked their escape tickets during the rescue operation itself.This critical timing is a key focus of the police investigation. According to the Hindustan Times, the brothers have now been detained in Thailand pending deportation.

Fresh Details Reveal Intent to Evade Capture

Goa Police discovered the booking was made at 1:17 AM on December 7. The fire had erupted just hours earlier at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub. The Luthra brothers used the MakeMyTrip platform to secure their flights.Investigators state this shows clear intent to flee. Emergency teams were still fighting the inferno and pulling people from the wreckage. Police say the brothers left India shortly after making the booking.A Non-Bailable Warrant has been issued against them. Another owner, Ajay Gupta, was arrested and brought to Goa for questioning. The tragedy killed five tourists and twenty staff members.

Legal Wrangling and Broader Fallout Intensify

In court, the Luthra brothers’ lawyers argued their Thailand trip was pre-planned work travel. They claimed they only sought limited legal protection. The Rohini Court questioned this, noting they were outside its jurisdiction.The state counsel strongly opposed any protection. They argued the brothers were deliberately evading a serious investigation. The timing of their departure remains a central point of contention.Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promised a swift inquiry report. The state has begun disbursing compensation to victims’ families. Authorities have also started stricter safety checks at hospitality venues.

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The investigation into the Goa nightclub fire now hinges on proving criminal negligence and intent to flee. As deportation proceedings advance, the pursuit of accountability for the 25 lives lost continues.

Info at your fingertips

Have the Luthra brothers been arrested?

They have been detained in Thailand, not formally arrested. Thai authorities are processing their deportation back to India following the Interpol notice. Goa Police will arrest them upon arrival.

What charges do the owners face?

They face potential charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing death by negligence. The final charges will depend on the findings of the official inquiry report.

How many people died in the fire?

The blaze killed 25 people in total. The victims included five tourists from other states and 20 staff members who were working at the nightclub that night.

What action has the Goa government taken?

The state is giving compensation to victims’ families. It has also ordered intensive safety audits of all hotels, clubs, and restaurants to prevent future tragedies.

Why was part of another restaurant demolished?

The district administration demolished a section of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator. It was also owned by the Luthra brothers, and the action was related to regulatory violations.