Luthra brothers land in Delhi following deportation from Thailand, arrested
PTC News Desk: Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Goa nightclub where the blaze claimed lives of 25 people, were brought to Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. The duo was immediately arrested by the Goa Police present at the Delhi airport.
The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into one of the deadliest nightlife tragedies in the state.
The brothers landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport after boarding a flight from Thailand. Central agencies accompanied them to Delhi, where a Goa Police team along with Delhi Police officials were present at the immigration area to complete formal arrest procedures.
The duo is expected to be produced before a Delhi Court where investigators will seek transit remand to take them to Goa.
Deportation from Thailand
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra had fled to Phuket hours after tragedy struck Goa nightclub that claimed 25 lives. They were detained by Thai authorities for overstaying, following which Indian authorities suspended their passports, paving way for deportation.
Goa nightclub fire
A fire broke out earlier this month at a nightclub owned by the Luthra brothers in Arpora, North Goa, killing 25 people and leaving several others injured.
Investigators are examining possible breaches of fire safety rules, licensing requirements and other legal norms at the establishment.
On December 16, the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court converted a civil plea against Birch by Romeo Lane, the premises where the nightclub operated, into a Public Interest Litigation. Observing that accountability is essential in such incidents, the court directed the state government to clarify the status of the nightclub’s licenses.
The court further noted that commercial activities were allowed to continue at the premises despite an existing demolition order and earlier complaints made to the local panchayat. Advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, appearing for the property owners, has been appointed as amicus curiae and asked to submit a detailed affidavit.
- PTC NEWS
