Victim of authorities vindictive behaviour: Goa club owners cry foul in pre-arrest bail plea
The two brothers, for whom Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice, are currently in Thailand and have refused to return, citing fear of arrest.
PTC News Desk: Fugitive Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra informed Delhi court on Wednesday that do not oversee day-to-day operations of the Arpora club and claimed to be victims themselves. 25 people were killed in a blaze that ripped through Luthra brothers' Birch by Romeo Lane on December 7.
The two brothers, for whom Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice, are currently in Thailand and have refused to return, citing fear of arrest. Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra told the court they want protection so they can safely return to India and approach the Goa courts for further legal relief, as they believe they will be arrested upon landing in Delhi.
"The applicant and his partners operate from Delhi and do not run the day-to-
day operations. The day-to-day operations are managed by the on-ground/restaurant managers," the plea said.
"I am saying I want to come back to India, they want to arrest me. I am seeking relief to come back to this country and approach court in goa that does not prejudice them unless they don't want to come. It is unfortunate people passed away, but witch hunting is what i am concerned about," their lawyer told court.
Police say the Luthra brothers fled to Thailand from Delhi within five hours of the December 7 nightclub fire. However, Saurabh claimed in his petition that he had left a day earlier for a business meeting.
“On December 6, the applicant travelled to Thailand for a business meeting related to his professional work and possible restaurant locations,” lawyer Sidharth Luthra told the court.
In their plea, the brothers also pointed out that their second club in Goa was demolished, saying this demonstrates the “vindictive nature” of the authorities’ actions against them.
The demolition was carried out after Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered the illegal structure to be torn down immediately for lacking safety clearances.
Delhi’s Rohini Court has now asked the Goa government to respond to the brothers’ transit anticipatory bail plea. The case will be heard tomorrow.