Notorious Indian Fugitives: From Goa Nightclub Owners to High-Profile Financial Criminals on Interpol's Radar

The Luthra brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh, proprietors of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, have become India's newest additions to Interpol's watch list following the tragic incident.

New Delhi:

Following the devastating fire that claimed 25 lives at their Goa nightclub last week, the Luthra brothers have likely earned themselves a spot on Interpol's international radar. Sources informed NDTV on Tuesday that a Blue Corner Notice may soon be issued against Delhi-based Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane', to gather additional information about their identity, location, and activities related to the criminal investigation.

The brothers escaped to Thailand on an IndiGo flight shortly after their nightclub in Goa's Arpora region was engulfed in flames. The fire rapidly spread through a crowded dance floor filled with weekend revelers.

The ongoing investigation has revealed numerous concerning details, including widespread use of flammable materials, absence of fire exits, and lack of fire extinguishers. These findings have prompted the Goa Police to file charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

As authorities focus on tracking down the Luthra brothers and initiating extradition proceedings from Thailand, it's worth noting they aren't the only individuals evading Indian law enforcement. Several high-profile fugitives continue to remain beyond the reach of Indian authorities.

Name: Dawood Ibrahim

Case details: Considered India's most-wanted crime boss, Dawood Ibrahim stands accused of orchestrating the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings that resulted in 257 deaths and hundreds of injuries. As head of the notorious D-Company gang, which has inspired numerous Bollywood blockbusters, he's implicated in global drug trafficking, extortion, arms smuggling, and terror financing networks.

Intelligence sources indicate Ibrahim fled to Dubai in 1986 after being charged with murder, later relocating to Karachi, Pakistan following the 1993 Mumbai attacks. From there, he continues to operate his criminal enterprise. While Pakistan officially denies harboring him, India has presented substantial evidence regarding his assets and activities.

Successive Indian governments have persistently sought his extradition, resulting in both the United Nations and the United States designating him a 'global terrorist'.

Interpol notice on: According to the Union Home Ministry, a Red Corner Notice was issued against Ibrahim in April 1983, which remains active today. This notice, coupled with UN sanctions, effectively restricts his movement outside Pakistan.

Name: Nirav Modi

Case details: Diamond merchant Nirav Modi stands accused of perpetrating one of India's largest banking frauds. He allegedly defrauded Punjab National Bank of approximately Rs 11,000-13,000 crore using falsified documents to secure overseas loans.

Both the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate have charged Modi with criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, and money laundering. The 54-year-old fled India in January 2018, weeks before the bank filed its initial complaint, raising questions about whether he received advance warning.

After moving between Hong Kong and other financial centers, Modi was spotted in London in March 2019. Reports indicated he had taken up residence in an eight-million GBP mansion and applied for asylum citing 'political persecution.' However, he was promptly arrested.

While UK courts approved his extradition in 2021, his legal team has consistently filed challenges to delay his return to India. Currently, he remains incarcerated in a London jail.

Interpol notice on: Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice for Modi in June 2018.

Name: Mehul Choksi

Case details: Gitanjali Group founder Mehul Choksi is accused of collaborating with his nephew Nirav Modi in the alleged PNB fraud. Investigators claim companies linked to Choksi utilized fraudulent guarantees to deceive the bank's Mumbai branch into extending improperly secured loans.

Like Modi, Choksi fled India in January 2018, departing just 24 hours after his nephew. He later emerged as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, having obtained nationality through an investment program. Similar to Modi, Choksi has claimed 'political persecution' in his efforts to avoid trial in India.

In a dramatic development in 2021, he alleged he had been 'kidnapped' and transported to Dominica, though this claim has been questioned. Four years later, he appeared in Antwerp, supposedly seeking treatment for blood cancer, but was promptly detained by Belgian authorities. India immediately renewed extradition efforts.

In October 2025, a Belgian court approved his extradition, but Choksi filed appeals the following month, asserting he would face 'ill-treatment' if returned to India.

Interpol notice on: Following requests from the CBI and ED, Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice in December 2018. This was subsequently removed in 2022 after a human rights appeal.

Name: Vijay Mallya

Case details: Perhaps the most recognizable name on this list, Vijay Mallya faces accusations of defaulting on approximately Rs 9,000 crore in loans obtained by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. The CBI and ED have filed multiple cases against him related to fraud and money-laundering.

Mallya departed India in March 2016, just before legal actions against him intensified. He informed courts he wished to be closer to his children and has since been classified as a 'willful defaulter'.

In December last year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament that Mallya's properties worth Rs 14,131 crore had been seized and transferred to public and private sector banks.

Currently, Mallya remains in the UK on bail following his 2017 arrest. Similar to Modi's situation, his extradition has been approved but implementation has been delayed due to ongoing legal challenges.

Interpol notice on: Interestingly, Interpol never issued a notice for Mallya. The ED requested one in May 2016, but the application was rejected due to technical issues.