Goa Nightclub Fire: Absconding Luthra Brothers Located in Thailand, CBI Pursues Blue Notice

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a blue notice against the Luthra brothers, who have reportedly fled to Thailand. Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra are accused of culpable homicide (not amounting to murder) for endangering life and safety, and negligent conduct related to fire at their Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane.

Luthra Brothers Flee Hours After Deadly Blaze

The club owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled the country just hours after a deadly fire. The blaze at the Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, killed twenty-five people late Saturday night. The brothers left for Phuket, Thailand, on December 7, via an IndiGo flight from Delhi. They were airborne by 5:30 am Sunday, merely three hours after the inferno began.

Authorities stated this swift exit was "a clear attempt to evade investigation." A Goa police team searched their Delhi residences and offices, but found them absconding. Immigration records confirmed the brothers boarded the flight moments before a lookout circular was issued. Saurabh Luthra posted a statement on Instagram expressing "profound grief" despite being on the run.

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A report published by Hindustan Times quotes an officer, stating,“Vehemently pursuing with Lyon headquartered Interpol to quickly issue blue notices against Luthras so that they do not flee to some other country.”

The official said, “An arrest warrant against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra is being obtained from a court (in Goa). They are being geolocated with the help of CBI’s Global Operations Centre (GOC) and other central agencies.” Further adding, “Senior officials are already in touch with our Thai counterparts, and efforts are on to arrest them in Phuket… We believe they will soon be brought back.”

What an Interpol Blue Notice Means for the Investigation

A Blue Notice is an Interpol alert issued for collecting additional information about an individual. It basically assists in tracking the identity, location, or activities of an individual that are relevant to a criminal investigation. The Goa Police issued this blue corner notice through Interpol against the Luthra brothers. This action aims to track, identify, and provisionally detain the fugitives.

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Unlike a Red Notice, the Blue Notice is not an international arrest warrant. It serves purely as an information-gathering tool for international law enforcement cooperation. The information collected may eventually contribute to a Red Notice if arrest and extradition become necessary. The CBI's Interpol division is coordinating with the Goa Police to ensure the brothers' prompt apprehension.