Revealed: 'Sleeping Partner' Ajay Gupta Was Key Operator Behind Goa Nightclub Before Deadly Fire

While the investigation into the Goa nightclub fire continues to focus on Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, authorities have discovered that their alleged "sleeping partner" Ajay Gupta was actually the most active manager of the Romeo Lane clubs.

As the Luthra brothers await deportation from Thailand, investigators located Gupta three days after the devastating December 6 Birch by Romeo Lane fire at a hospital in Delhi. Reports indicate that Gupta was in Goa when the tragic fire claimed 25 lives, but quickly departed to Delhi from Dabolim airport hours after the incident.

Authorities found Gupta at IBS hospital in Lajpat Nagar, reportedly owned by one of his close associates. When questioned by Goa Police, medical staff initially claimed Gupta would require at least a week before discharge, but later provided complete information to investigators.

NDTV's investigation has contradicted claims that Gupta was merely a silent investor. Evidence suggests that Birch by Romeo Lane was actually Gupta's concept, and he was primarily responsible for managing the establishment's operations, rather than the other co-owners.

The investigation also revealed that Gupta, a well-connected individual, helped the nightclub avoid enforcement actions and continue operations despite receiving multiple notices from police and crime branch on three separate occasions. According to the investigation, a former IPS officer intervened with a phone call to have cases against Birch by Romeo Lane dismissed.

Gupta was arrested on Wednesday and remanded to nine days in police custody.

Meanwhile, the Luthra brothers have been transferred from Phuket to Bangkok and are scheduled for deportation to India to face legal proceedings.