Saurabh Luthra: Profile of Goa Club Owner Facing Legal Action After Deadly Nightclub Fire Claims 25 Lives

Saurabh Luthra, proprietor of the upscale Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa's Arpora, has described the devastating fire that consumed his establishment as a moment of "irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress."

The catastrophic blaze claimed 25 lives, including 20 staff members and five tourists, while leaving six others injured.

On Monday, Luthra released a statement via Instagram expressing that the nightclub's management was "deeply shaken" by the tragedy's magnitude. "The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch," his statement read.

Goa Police have issued a lookout notice for both Saurabh and his younger brother Gaurav Luthra, who jointly own the nightclub. According to police reports, the brothers departed from Goa shortly after the incident and are suspected to have left India. Alerts have been issued to airports and police stations nationwide.

Saurabh Luthra's professional profile describes him as a "gold medalist engineer turned into a promising and fastest-growing restaurateur," according to Romeo Lane's website.

His accomplishments include being featured in Forbes India, and he holds the position of Chairman at Romeo Lane, a prominent chain of restaurants and clubs with locations in Delhi, Goa, Gurugram, and other major cities.

The Luthra brothers have established multiple clubs across Indian metropolitan areas, though several of their venues have ceased operations over the years.

They were reportedly preparing to inaugurate another club in Gaur City, Noida, in the near future. Their Goa establishment was considered their most extensive and successful venture until the fire destroyed it completely.

Saurabh also maintains a residential property in Dubai.

Currently, both brothers remain unreachable as their mobile phones are switched off. Law enforcement is tracking their potential digital activities through social media and other electronic identifiers.

Authorities informed IANS there is "strong suspicion" the duo may attempt to flee internationally. The brothers now face legal charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, according to a senior official quoted by PTI.

The Goa government has suspended three senior officials who approved the nightclub's operations in 2023 despite regulatory concerns: Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, former Director of Panchayat; Dr. Shamila Monteiro, former Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board; and Raghuvir Bagkar, former Secretary of the Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat.

Police have arrested four staff members: chief GM Rajiv Modak, GM Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, as reported by PTI.

Investigators believe the fire may have been ignited by fireworks used inside the club, which allegedly operated without the required fire department NOC (No Objection Certificate).