Luthra brothers detained at Delhi airport in Goa nightclub fire case as first visuals surface

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, have been taken into custody after arriving at Delhi airport. The brothers were deported from Thailand following the deadly fire at their nightclub on December 6, which claimed 25 lives. Upon landing in Delhi, the police immediately took the brothers into custody for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The Luthra brothers had fled to Thailand shortly after the tragic incident. A video from a Bangkok airport showed them walking with officials as part of the deportation process. Their passports were cancelled at the request of the Goa government, which paved the way for their return to India. Earlier, Goa Police had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against them, while Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice to track their location. A Delhi court recently refused to grant interim protection from arrest to the brothers, allowing authorities to take them into custody immediately upon their arrival.

The deadly nightclub fire has drawn widespread attention and outrage across the country. The Luthra brothers are now expected to face detailed questioning and legal action as the investigation continues. Authorities are examining all aspects of the case, including safety violations, the use of fireworks inside the club, and emergency response failures.

Details of the Goa nightclub fire and investigation

The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, occurred on December 6 and turned fatal within minutes. Twenty-five people died, including 20 staff members and five tourists. Six others were injured in the incident. Initial reports suggest that fireworks used inside the club may have triggered the blaze, and many victims died due to suffocation after being trapped inside.

Officials highlighted serious safety concerns at the club. The nightclub had narrow exits and a small access bridge, which made evacuation difficult and delayed rescue operations. Fire engines had to be stationed far from the location, further slowing down relief efforts. These factors contributed to the high number of casualties and the chaotic situation during the fire.

The incident prompted authorities to intensify the investigation into the club’s safety protocols and the role of the owners. Goa Police have been examining structural violations, emergency preparedness, and compliance with fire safety regulations. The deportation and custody of the Luthra brothers are key steps in ensuring accountability and progressing the investigation.

Eyewitnesses and locals described the scene as horrific, with panic and chaos spreading as the fire engulfed the club. Many survivors recounted how they struggled to escape through narrow pathways, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety standards in entertainment venues. The tragic incident has sparked a nationwide debate on nightclub safety, emergency preparedness, and enforcement of fire regulations.

Authorities are also reviewing how fireworks and pyrotechnics are used in clubs and public spaces. Early findings indicate that unauthorized pyrotechnics inside Birch by Romeo Lane played a major role in triggering the fire. Investigators are working to determine if proper approvals were taken and if the owners followed legal safety guidelines.

The Luthra brothers’ return to India and their subsequent custody is a critical development in the case. Law enforcement agencies are expected to question them extensively about the events leading up to the fire, the safety measures in place, and their actions during and after the incident. The investigation will also focus on whether negligence or deliberate lapses contributed to the loss of lives.

Meanwhile, relatives of the victims are seeking justice and demanding strict action against those responsible. The government has assured that the investigation will be thorough, and the guilty will be held accountable. Legal experts say that the case could involve charges of culpable homicide, criminal negligence, and violations of safety regulations.

This tragic incident has also prompted authorities across India to reassess fire safety measures in public spaces, particularly nightclubs, hotels, and entertainment venues. Officials emphasize the need for proper exits, accessible fire extinguishers, emergency drills, and regulation of fireworks in indoor spaces to prevent such disasters in the future.

The Luthra brothers’ arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing legal process. Authorities will continue to gather evidence, review CCTV footage, and interview witnesses to build a comprehensive case. Meanwhile, the public continues to watch closely, demanding justice for the victims of this devastating fire.

The deportation and custody of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are crucial developments in the investigation of the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Goa. The incident claimed 25 lives and exposed serious safety lapses. With narrow exits, delayed rescue efforts, and the use of fireworks inside the club, the tragedy has sparked national outrage. Authorities are now focused on investigating all aspects of the fire, holding the owners accountable, and ensuring stricter enforcement of safety measures in public entertainment spaces. The Luthra brothers’ detention will allow investigators to examine the circumstances of the fire in detail and pursue justice for the victims.