How Police Tracked Down Goa Nightclub Co-Owner Who Faked Spinal Injury to Evade Arrest After Deadly Fire

Ajay Gupta and the Luthra brothers maintain a partnership in the Goa nightclub that experienced the devastating fire.

Investigators revealed to NDTV that Ajay Gupta, who co-owns the Goa nightclub where 25 people perished in a fire, attempted to evade arrest by getting himself hospitalized. Gupta fabricated a spinal condition and sought treatment at the Institute of Brain and Spine located in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar. However, this strategy proved unsuccessful, resulting in his apprehension by police.

Gupta faces legal consequences following the fatal fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane', a north Goa nightclub that he co-owns with Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. The Luthra brothers escaped to Phuket, Thailand shortly after the incident, with authorities now working to secure their return. Sources indicate that police began monitoring Gupta immediately after the fire, but he had gone into hiding. By Monday, authorities had issued a lookout circular and started searching Gupta-linked properties in Delhi. Law enforcement discovered that he was constantly moving and minimizing phone usage to avoid detection.

Subsequently, Gupta admitted himself to the brain and spine hospital, claiming to suffer from a spinal issue. His strategy involved remaining hospitalized for 3-4 days, providing time to formulate additional escape plans.

The Delhi Police Crime Branch, collaborating with Goa police on this case, successfully thwarted this scheme and took Gupta into custody. He will face court proceedings before being transferred to Goa.

In statements to the media, Gupta claimed he was "just a partner" without involvement in the club's operations. However, GST documentation confirms Gupta was indeed one of the three partners of the Goa nightclub, alongside the Luthra brothers.

The Goa nightclub and its ownership have come under intense scrutiny for multiple violations following Saturday night's fire that claimed 25 lives—five tourists and 20 staff members. Investigation has uncovered violations of building codes, environmental regulations, and fire safety standards. The owners face charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. Four staff members have already been arrested in connection with the incident.