Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the North Goa nightclub where a massive blaze killed 25 people earlier this month, were brought back to the state by police on Wednesday following their deportation from Thailand.
December 17, 2025: The Luthra brothers were extradited to India on Tuesday, landing in Delhi after being detained by Thai authorities in Phuket. The duo had reportedly fled the country on an IndiGo flight to Phuket just hours after the fire engulfed their club, ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, in the early hours of December 7.
The siblings were tracked down on December 11 when they stepped out of their hotel for a meal. Following their arrival in Delhi, Goa Police sought transit remand to bring them back to the coastal state for a thorough investigation.
The Tragedy: Violations and Negligence
The fire, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and staff members, reportedly ignited during a dance performance involving electronic fireworks that set the roof ablaze. Investigations have since revealed a series of alarming safety violations:
- Illegal Construction: Flammable materials, including bamboo, were used extensively in the club’s structure, causing the fire to spread at an uncontrollable speed.
- Expired Licensing: Authorities informed the court that the nightclub’s Panchayat license had expired and was never renewed; the venue was operating without valid authorization.
- Poor Evacuation Routes: The establishment featured narrow entry and exit points, which trapped many victims inside during the chaos.
Legal Battle and Charges
The Goa Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with charges of negligence. Before their capture, the brothers had attempted to secure anticipatory bail from a Delhi court, claiming limited involvement in the business.
However, the court rejected their pleas after police produced GST records, FSSAI applications, and Pollution Control Board documents naming the brothers as partners. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice had also been issued against them shortly after they fled the country.