The Brothers Refused to Return to India Fearing Arrest, and Approached a Delhi Court Seeking a Pre-arrest Bail

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The Goa nightclub fire case saw a breakthrough as the Luthra brothers were detained in Thailand. The investigation authorities have initiated the deportation process to bring them back to India. Indian authorities expect significant progress in uncovering accountability for the deadly incident.

The Birch by Romeo Lane club in Goa witnessed a devastating fire tragedy on Saturday night (December 6, 2025), where 25 people died.

Luthra Brothers Arrested

The brothers left India shortly after the December 6 blaze in Arpora, for which an Interpol Blue Corner notice has already been issued at the behest of the CBI. The external affairs ministry (MEA) is examining a request from the Goa government to revoke the passports of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa. 

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A blue corner notice is issued to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. Authorities in India are now coordinating with their counterparts in Thailand as the deportation process moves forward.

Shocking Reveal during Investigation

Goa Police investigation revealed that the brothers booked flight tickets to Thailand when emergency teams were struggling to douse the flames. According to officials, Gaurav and Saurabh booked their tickets on MakeMyTrip at 1:17 am on December 7.

“Even as the Goa Police and Goa Fire Services were battling to douse the fire and rescue the people trapped inside, the Luthra brothers were preparing to flee the country,” an official said.

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What did Defendants Claim?

The lawyers of the Luthra brothers claimed that they had not fled the country but were on a business trip. They also mentioned that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were only the co-owners, and the regular operations were managed by the club’s staff. However, the New Delhi court declined to grant interim protection from arrest to the brothers on Wednesday (December 10, 2025).

They approached the Rohini Court seeking four weeks of anticipatory bail in connection with the Goa nightclub fire.

Ongoing Investigation

Goa Police have arrested five managers and staff members in connection with the fire. Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said the inquiry report into the tragedy will be ready within eight days, as the state begins disbursing compensation to victims’ families and tightens safety audits across entertainment venues.

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The police have lodged an FIR and charges of culpable homicide against the Luthra brothers, the manager of the outlet, and the event organiser of the evening in connection with the fire at Birch. The FIR in the Birch fire case points to lapses such as the absence of fire safety equipment and emergency exit at the nightclub, and the lack of required licences.

According to sources, a Goa Police team will be travelling to Thailand to take custody of the brothers and bring them back to India for trial.