The tragic nightclub fire in Goa that killed 25 people has now taken a major legal turn, with owners Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra moving the Rohini Court in Delhi to seek anticipatory bail. The brothers, who own the popular ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ restaurant where the deadly fire broke out, are attempting to avoid arrest as investigations intensify. Their petition is scheduled for hearing today and comes at a time when the Goa Police have accused them of fleeing the country soon after the incident.
According to officials, the two brothers left India on an IndiGo flight early Sunday morning, only hours after the fire engulfed the North Goa nightclub in Arpora. The incident, which resulted in massive loss of life and raised several questions about safety violations, has now expanded into a multi-state and international investigation. As public anger grows, authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent those responsible from escaping the law.
On Monday, Goa Police revealed that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra had boarded a flight to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 am on Sunday, shortly after the fire. Their sudden departure raised suspicions about their intentions and prompted police to take urgent steps to locate them. Goa DIG Varsha Sharma confirmed that international agencies, including the CBI and Interpol, have been involved. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued, asking global law enforcement to help trace the brothers.
The Luthra brothers are well-known for owning several restaurants and clubs, including establishments in Goa and Delhi. The fire at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ has drawn heavy criticism for allegedly ignoring fire safety norms. Reports suggest that the club may have been operating without adequate permissions, though official confirmation is still awaited. As investigators collect evidence, questions are being raised about whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
The police have also been examining allegations of negligence. Many victims’ families have claimed that the club was overcrowded and poorly equipped to handle emergencies. Videos and eyewitness accounts from the night of the fire paint a terrifying picture of chaos, darkness and smoke, making it difficult for people to escape. These details have prompted demands for strict action against all owners, managers and officials responsible for the oversight.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Goa Police on Wednesday brought Ajay Gupta — one of the four owners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ — for questioning at the Sunlight Colony Crime Branch office. He is expected to be presented before the court later today. Officials believe his testimony may help determine the sequence of events leading to the fire and whether safety rules were violated knowingly.
While the Luthra brothers seek protection from arrest, administrative action in Goa has already begun. The district administration has demolished portions of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, another property owned by the brothers. Authorities have stated that the demolition was carried out due to structural and regulatory violations. This move signals the start of broader enforcement steps that may spread across other establishments linked to the Luthras.
The anticipatory bail plea filed in Delhi has added a complex legal dimension to the case. Since the fire occurred in Goa, the local police there have jurisdiction. However, with the petition now before a Delhi court, the defence is likely to argue that the brothers faced a threat of arrest without being given a fair opportunity to present their side. On the other hand, the prosecution is expected to highlight the fact that the owners left the country without cooperating with the investigation, which may weaken their bail request.
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Legal experts believe that the court will closely examine the circumstances of their departure, the severity of the tragedy, and the state’s need to conduct a free and fair investigation. In cases involving loss of life, courts often demand strict compliance from the accused, including surrendering passports or appearing regularly before police authorities. Whether such conditions will apply here will depend on the court’s observation during the hearing.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues in full force. Goa Police teams are reviewing CCTV footage, inspecting the burnt structure, collecting statements from witnesses and analysing documents related to the club’s licences and permits. Officials say the probe will also look into how emergency exits were managed and whether the staff was trained in fire safety procedures.
Public reaction to the incident has been one of shock and anger. Many people have questioned how a high-end nightclub, frequented by tourists, could operate with such apparent disregard for safety. The deaths of 25 people — most of them young — have created widespread demand for accountability, not only from the club owners but also from local authorities responsible for granting permissions.
The tragedy has also sparked a wider conversation about safety standards in nightlife venues across India. Experts say that fire safety audits, emergency drills and strict monitoring are essential, especially in places where large crowds gather. Many believe that only strong action in this case will serve as a warning to others who ignore norms for profit.
As the Luthra brothers wait for the court’s decision on their anticipatory bail plea, the pressure on Goa Police to bring the culprits to justice continues to rise. The coming days will determine whether they must return to India to face questioning or whether they receive temporary protection from arrest. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the investigation moves ahead without obstruction and that the families of the victims get the justice they seek.
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