The Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ in North Goa’s Arpora village, are expected to arrive in India after being deported from Bangkok, according to official sources. Upon their arrival at the Delhi Airport, they will be taken into custody by a team from the Goa Police, marking a significant development in the investigation into the devastating fire that occurred on the night of December 6, 2025. Senior police officials have confirmed that all procedures related to custody transfer are being carried out in accordance with established legal protocols.
Transit Remand to Facilitate Transfer to Goa
Following their apprehension at the airport, the Goa Police will produce both accused before a Delhi court to seek transit remand. This legal process is necessary to obtain judicial authorisation to move the accused from Delhi to Goa, where the case is registered and further investigation is ongoing. Officials stated that securing transit remand is a crucial procedural step, ensuring that the transfer of custody complies fully with legal safeguards and jurisdictional requirements.
Background of the December 6 Nightclub Fire
The case relates to a tragic fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, which resulted in the deaths of 25 people, including tourists and staff members. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been triggered when electric firecrackers used during an event struck the wooden ceiling, causing the blaze to spread rapidly through the premises. The incident raised serious concerns about fire safety compliance, crowd management, and regulatory oversight in commercial entertainment establishments.
Serious Charges Filed by Goa Police
The Goa Police have registered serious charges against the Luthra brothers, reportedly including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering public safety, and negligent conduct in relation to fire hazards. Investigators have stated that the nightclub was allegedly operating for nearly 18 months without mandatory safety clearances and on an expired licence. These alleged violations are central to the case and are being examined in detail as part of the ongoing probe.
Flight Abroad and International Coordination
Investigative agencies have revealed that the Luthra brothers allegedly left India and travelled to Thailand within hours of the fire incident. Following this, Indian authorities suspended their passports and issued an Interpol Blue Corner Notice to trace and locate them. Thai authorities subsequently detained the brothers, and coordination between Indian and Thai agencies led to their deportation, which officials describe as the final step in ensuring their return to India to face the charges.
Next Steps in Legal and Investigative Process
Once the transit remand is granted, the accused will be transported to Goa, where further legal proceedings, custodial interrogation, and evidence collection are expected to continue. Authorities have emphasised that the investigation will focus on establishing accountability, examining systemic lapses in safety compliance, and ensuring that due process is followed at every stage. Officials reiterated that the case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of safety norms to prevent such tragedies in the future.