North Goa district administration on Tuesday initiated the demolition of a portion of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator. This property is owned by the absconding brothers, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also owned the ill-fated Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora where a fire tragically claimed 25 lives. The demolition specifically targeted an area spanning 198 square meters that was found to have been illegally built on government land, encroaching upon the sensitive beachside area.
Chief Minister Orders Crackdown on Non-Compliant Structures
The demolition was carried out under direct instructions from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who ordered the district administration to complete all formalities and proceed with the action promptly. This swift action signals a government-level commitment to address the rampant regulatory lapses that the Arpora tragedy exposed. Officials noted that the property, operating as a popular shack, was one of the Luthra brothers' establishments that had operated for years despite numerous complaints filed by local activists and authorities regarding its lack of fire safety clearances, structural approvals, and environmental violations. The Chief Minister's office has since indicated a broader governmental intention to demolish all clubs and cafés run by the Luthra brothers across Vagator and other coastal pockets found to be in violation.
#WATCH | Goa: A portion of the Romeo Lane restaurant located in the Vagator area is being demolished. It is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane, where a fire tragedy claimed 25 lives on December 7. pic.twitter.com/c4NJXtDYnb
— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025
Luthra Brothers Fled to Thailand, Face International Trace
The crackdown is part of the larger criminal investigation into the Arpora fire, which revealed that the club owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, fled India for Phuket, Thailand, in the early hours of Sunday morning, just hours after the fire broke out. Goa Police have publicly stated that the quick departure shows a clear "intent to avoid investigation." Consequently, the Bureau of Immigration issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against the brothers and their co-owner Ajay Gupta.
Interpol Issues Blue Corner Notice to Track Fugitives
In a major escalation of the probe, Goa Police have ramped up international coordination. They have secured a Blue Corner Notice from Interpol, requested through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to help locate and collect information about Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. The Blue Notice is an international alert issued by Interpol to track a suspect's location globally in connection with a criminal investigation. Authorities have confirmed they are pursuing efforts for the next step, which could involve securing a Red Notice—an international request for the person's arrest and extradition—once a charge sheet is filed and a Non-Bailable Warrant is secured.
Investigation Highlights Years of Safety Lapses
The investigations into both the Birch nightclub and the Romeo Lane restaurant have uncovered a systemic failure in regulatory compliance. Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services noted that the Birch nightclub operated with "zero fire safety measures," lacking basic necessities like functional fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and adequate emergency exits. Furthermore, the Arpora establishment's trade license had expired in March 2024, and the local panchayat was unable to enforce a demolition notice due to a previous stay order. The demolition in Vagator, therefore, serves as both punitive action against illegal construction and a stark warning to other hospitality establishments in Goa to immediately comply with safety and licensing mandates. The authorities continue to question arrested staff members and suspended officials regarding the continuous operation of these non-compliant establishments.
