Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the co-owners of the Goa nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane' where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives, have been deported from Thailand and are now back in Indian custody. The brothers, who had fled the country just hours after the tragedy, are expected to be formally arrested by Goa Police and face charges including culpable homicide.
The deportation marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the horrific blaze that occurred late on Saturday, December 6, at the popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The fire tragically killed 25 people, including staff and tourists, trapping them inside the crowded venue.
The Escape and the International Manhunt
The Luthra brothers came under immediate scrutiny after investigators discovered they had booked and boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 AM on Sunday, December 7—barely five hours after the fire broke out and while rescue efforts were still underway.
The quick action by Indian law enforcement led to a rapid, multi-agency response:
- Lookout Circular: A Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against the duo.
- Interpol Notice: An Interpol Blue Corner Notice was secured to track their whereabouts abroad.
- Passport Suspension: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) suspended their passports, rendering them illegal residents in Thailand.
Thai immigration authorities subsequently detained the brothers from a resort in Phuket. Following coordination between Indian agencies, the MEA, and the Indian Embassy in Bangkok, the deportation process was completed under the existing legal framework.
#WATCH | Bangkok, Thailand | Luthra brothers-Gaurav and Saurabh, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, where 25 people were killed in a fire, are being deported from Thailand today.
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
The two brothers are being brought to Delhi, where they will be… pic.twitter.com/acedxyRkxJ
Facing Charges for Safety Lapses
Upon their arrival in Delhi, the Luthra brothers are expected to be presented before a court to obtain a transit remand, allowing Goa Police to take them to the coastal state for further investigation.
Goa Police have already registered an FIR against the owners and other involved parties. The charges they face include:
- Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder.
- Negligent Conduct with Respect to Fire.
- Endangering Public Safety.
Preliminary investigations have revealed glaring safety violations, including allegations that the club was operating on an expired license (not renewed since 2024), lacked basic fire safety equipment (extinguishers, alarms), and potentially had an inadequate number of exits, leading to the high casualty count.
The deportation and subsequent arrest of the high-profile nightclub owners are expected to intensify the broader crackdown on illegal and unsafe establishments operating across Goa's popular tourist zones.
