Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers brought back from Thailand, to be produced in Delhi court today
NEW DELHI, DEC 16 : Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora, where a devastating fire claimed the lives of 25 people, landed in India on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand.
The brothers were accompanied by a team of officials from central agencies, while the Goa police were present at the immigration area to complete formal arrest procedures.
The Luthras, who allegedly fled to Thailand within hours of the deadly fire at the club they own, were detained by Thai authorities in Phuket after the intervention of the Indian Embassy. They were shifted to an immigration facility in Bangkok before being brought to Delhi.
The duo wil be produced in a Delhi court later today, where the police will seek their transit custody to bring them to Goa. The Delhi court had earlier dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of the brothers.
An Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued against the brothers after they left the country.
The fire broke out past midnight on December 7, when a musical night was being held at the nightclub. About 100 people, mostly tourists, were partying at that time. The use of electric firecrackers was believed to have caused the fire.
According to the FIR registered by Goa Police, Birch by Romeo Lane didn’t have basic fire safety measures like extinguishers, alarms, suppression gear or a fire audit on record.
Police said that the owners, manager, partners, event organiser and senior staff conducted a fire act at the venue “without taking proper care and caution” and despite “full knowledge” that it could lead to a deadly accident.
The FIR also stated that the nightclub lacked emergency exits on both the deck and ground floor, which led to several guests being trapped in the flames.
Goa Police has arrested five managers and staff members of the nightclub in connection with the case. Officials said further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
The Bombay High Court on Monday converted a civil suit against Birch by Romeo Lane into a public interest litigation.
“Someone has to be held accountable” for the tragedy, the court observed.
-PTI
