Goa Nightclub Owners Face Passport Revocation After Fatal Fire, Flee to Thailand

The Ministry of External Affairs is moving to revoke the passports of two nightclub owners. This follows a deadly fire at their establishment in Goa. The blaze killed 25 people earlier this month.The owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, fled to Thailand after the incident. The Goa government formally requested the passport action. According to PTI, the MEA is now examining the request under Indian law.

MEA Reviews Request as Interpol Notice Issued

Sources confirm the MEA received the Goa government’s communication. The ministry is proceeding in accordance with the Passports Act. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice is already active against the Luthra brothers.The two men are co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub. They are residents of Delhi. Officials say they traveled to Phuket hours after the fire broke out.

Legal Pressure Mounts with Arrests and Court Hearings

The duo’s legal arguments have seen little success. A Delhi court recently refused them interim protection from arrest. They claimed they traveled abroad for work, not to flee.They also argued they were merely licensees, not owners. In court, Saurabh Luthra cited a threat to his safety. He stated his other restaurants had been “bulldozed.”Police have made several arrests. A silent partner, Ajay Gupta, was arrested in Jammu with Delhi Police’s help. A court granted a 36-hour transit remand to take him to Goa.Five managers and staff members were arrested earlier. The fire occurred around midnight on December 6. The nightclub is located in Arpora,North Goa.

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The investigation into the Goa nightclub fire continues at full pace. Authorities are pursuing all legal avenues to ensure accountability for the tragedy.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Who are Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra?

They are the co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa. The brothers are residents of Delhi and fled to Thailand after the fire.

Q2: What action is the MEA taking?

The Ministry of External Affairs is considering revoking their passports. This follows a formal request from the Goa government after the fatal incident.

Q3: How many people died in the fire?

The fire resulted in 25 fatalities. The blaze broke out at the North Goa venue around midnight on December 6.

Q4: Have any other partners been arrested?

Yes. Police arrested Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a silent investor. Five managers and staff members were also taken into custody earlier.

Q5: What reason did the owners give for being abroad?

They told a Delhi court they traveled for pre-existing work commitments. They denied fleeing and insisted they were only licensees of the property.