Luthra Brothers Detained in Thailand Following Deadly Goa Nightclub Fire: Extradition Process Underway

The Luthra brothers are seen with Thai officials at an immigration control center.

A newly emerged photograph shows the Luthra brothers surrounded by Thai authorities at an immigration facility. The duo was detained at their hotel in Thailand following a request from Indian authorities.

According to sources, they will be transported to Bangkok tomorrow morning for legal procedures before being handed over to Indian officials.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are wanted in India in relation to a devastating fire at their Goa nightclub that claimed 25 lives.

In the recent photograph, both brothers are visible seated on chairs facing Thai officers at the Phuket Immigration Control Centre (PICC).

The Luthras fled India shortly after the tragedy, anticipating arrest as investigations brought them under scrutiny. These Delhi-based restaurateurs approached a court in the national capital through legal representation seeking anticipatory bail, contending they couldn't be held liable for the fire as they weren't present at the establishment during the incident.

With the court denying their request to stay the arrest, Goa Police sought governmental assistance to secure their return to face legal proceedings. Authorities utilized passport regulations to apprehend the brothers. Under Section 10A of the Passport Act, their passports were suspended, creating immigration complications for them.

During court proceedings, Goa Police's attorney Abhinav Mukherjee argued that the brothers had falsely minimized their involvement in the business operations and claimed their international travel was premeditated.

Law enforcement presented numerous documents contradicting the Luthras' assertions, including an FSSAI application submitted by Saurabh Luthra, a Pollution Control Board application, and GST records identifying both brothers and Ajay Gupta as business partners.

Police informed the court that the establishment's panchayat license had expired without renewal, meaning the business operated without proper authorization. The license agreement was presented as evidence of their lack of permission to operate the venue.

Prosecutors stated that the brothers booked their flight at 1:15 am, shortly after the fire incident, departing for Thailand on December 7 at 5 am, characterizing this as an attempt to evade legal consequences. Their mother and wife reportedly told investigators they had no knowledge of the brothers' location and did not possess their contact information.

Goa Police maintain that the Luthras bear responsibility for operating the nightclub with only a single narrow exit and for organizing the fire performance that preceded the deadly blaze.