Arrest of Goa Nightclub Owners Following Tragic Fire Incident

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Burch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been arrested following a devastating fire that resulted in 25 fatalities. After fleeing to Thailand, they were apprehended and are now facing serious charges, including involuntary manslaughter. The incident has raised questions about safety regulations at the nightclub, and their defense claims of threats have not convinced the court. The brothers are set to appear before a magistrate in Goa as legal proceedings unfold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 10:14 IST

Arrest and Transfer of the Luthra Brothers

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the main suspects in the fire incident at the "Burch by Romeo Lane" nightclub in Goa, are being transported to Goa. On Wednesday morning, both brothers were seen at Indira Gandhi International Airport with Goa police, where they are set to be presented in a local court. They were brought to Delhi from Thailand on Tuesday. Indian security officials escorted them to the airport around 2 PM, where a team from Goa police took them into custody. Following a medical examination in Delhi, they were presented at Patiala House Court, where Magistrate Twinkle Chawla granted them a two-day transit remand. The Luthra brothers are the owners of the nightclub.

Tragic Fire Incident

The unfortunate fire that broke out on December 6 resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals. After the incident, the brothers fled to Thailand, where they were apprehended by Thai police in Phuket on December 11. They were deported back to India on Wednesday morning from Bangkok.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The Luthra brothers are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligence related to the December 6 fire. They are scheduled to appear before a judicial magistrate in Mapusa later today. During the transit remand request in Delhi, police stated that the Luthras were the primary owners of the nightclub and had complete control over operations, security measures, permissions, and events held on the premises.

Details of the Fire Incident

On the night of December 6, the fire at the nightclub in North Goa's Arpora claimed the lives of four tourists and 21 staff members. The brothers had already fled to Phuket before the fire was extinguished. They were detained by Thai authorities following the issuance of an Interpol Blue Corner notice last week.

Violation of Safety Regulations

According to the FIR, the nightclub was operating in violation of mandatory fire safety regulations, including hosting a fire show on December 6 without any fire safety equipment. The brothers faced further complications when a Delhi court denied them pre-arrest bail on December 11, with the judge labeling the charges against them as "serious" and criticizing their actions. The judge noted that booking tickets to Phuket just an hour after the fire was a clear attempt to evade legal proceedings.

Defense and Claims

Despite their defense that they were not fleeing and had traveled to Thailand to open a restaurant, the Luthras claimed they had received death threats on social media and feared lynching if they returned to Goa. However, their arguments did not sway the court.