Luthra Brothers Detained in Phuket Immigration Centre Following Deadly Goa Nightclub Fire

The Luthra brothers are currently being detained at Phuket's immigration detention center, a facility designated for individuals who have violated Thailand's immigration laws pending trial. Indian officials traveling to Thailand are expected to interrogate Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra at this location regarding their dramatic flight from India following the deadly fire at their Goa nightclub.

NDTV conducted a visit to the facility this morning, observing a sign that clearly identified it as the "Phuket Immigration Detention Centre." Adjacent to the main facility is an immigration waiting area with seating arrangements for visitors.

The tragic fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' club in Arpora village early Sunday claimed 25 lives. The Luthra brothers, who own the establishment, face serious charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence in connection with the incident.

These Delhi-based restaurateurs fled India shortly after the tragedy, anticipating potential arrest as investigations intensified. They have sought anticipatory bail through their legal representation in Delhi, claiming they cannot be held responsible as they were not physically present at the nightclub when the fire broke out.

Following Goa Police's request for assistance, the Indian government employed a strategic approach by suspending the brothers' passports under Section 10A of the Passport Act, effectively creating an immigration predicament for them.

🔴#BREAKING | #FirstOnNDTV | Visuals of the detention centre in Thailand where the Luthra brothers are detained NDTV's @AdityaRajKaul joins @VedikaS with more details pic.twitter.com/JPKYrxrpmO

Simultaneously, Interpol issued blue corner notices on Tuesday, identifying the Luthras as suspects in alleged violations of nightclub operation regulations.

Thai immigration authorities subsequently detained the brothers in their hotel room. A photograph showed them with their hands bound while officers searched their belongings. Earlier images depicted them with zip-tied hands holding their passports beside a Thai official.

The Goa fire tragedy resulted in 25 fatalities and six injuries, shocking the coastal tourist destination during peak holiday season. The blaze erupted after midnight during a musical event with approximately 100 people, predominantly tourists, in attendance. Electric firecrackers are believed to have triggered the fire.

Investigations revealed the nightclub was rendered particularly dangerous by extensive use of flammable decorative materials. Authorities discovered alarming violations of fire safety protocols, including the absence of functional fire extinguishers, raising serious questions about the establishment's safety measures.