Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers Deported From Thailand After Deadly Incident Claims 25 Lives

The Luthra brothers are being transported back to India on an IndiGo flight following their detention in Thailand.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, proprietors of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives, have been deported from Thailand to India. NDTV has obtained exclusive footage showing the Luthra brothers boarding their flight from Bangkok.

The brothers are returning on IndiGo flight 6E1064, scheduled to arrive in India at 1:45 pm IST. Upon landing in Delhi, they will be taken to the Patiala House Court, where officials will request their transit remand.

The Luthras, who face charges of culpable homicide and negligence, had escaped to Phuket, Thailand shortly after the tragedy. They were reportedly attending a wedding in Delhi when the incident occurred. Upon learning about the fire and its potential consequences, the brothers contacted their Delhi office in Model Town, instructing staff to book flight tickets. They quickly returned home, gathered important documents, and fled the country.

The duo was apprehended in Thailand on December 11 after venturing out of their hotel for a meal. Sources informed NDTV that this brief outing led authorities to discover their presence in Phuket. Thai officials verified their identities and travel information before initiating deportation procedures.

The Goa nightclub disaster occurred earlier this month during a musical event. Video footage shows massive flames and smoke engulfing the venue. One recording captured a dancer performing to the Sholay hit "Mehbooba Mehbooba" when the first flames appeared on the ceiling.

Initial investigations revealed numerous safety violations that transformed the nightclub into a hazardous environment. Officials reported the club had no emergency exits, functional fire extinguishers, or safety alarms. Additionally, the narrow access road prevented fire engines from reaching the site. Despite multiple warnings, management failed to address these safety deficiencies. Reports indicate the establishment was operating without proper permits and licenses.

Four staff members, including the manager, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Officials from various government departments responsible for issuing permits and licenses to the club have been summoned for questioning.

Ajay Gupta, a third partner in the nightclub, was also apprehended in Delhi. Although Gupta initially claimed to be merely a "silent partner," investigations revealed he was actually the most involved co-owner. He was in Goa during the incident but quickly departed for Delhi as the tragedy unfolded. Upon arriving in Delhi, he turned off his phone, prompting authorities to issue a lookout notice. Police tracked Gupta's movements from his Gurugram residence and eventually located him at the Institute of Brain and Spine in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, where he had admitted himself in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest.