What Led to the Arrest of Nightclub Owners in Goa's Tragic Fire Incident?
Court Orders Police Custody for Nightclub Owners
In a significant development, a North Goa court has placed Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane', in police custody for five days. This decision follows their deportation from Thailand after being implicated in a tragic fire incident on December 6 that resulted in 25 fatalities.
The brothers were transported to Goa from Delhi and underwent health evaluations at the District Hospital before their court appearance. Judicial Magistrate First Class Mapusa, Puja Sardesai, presided over the case and ordered their custody.
Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing Bhavana Joshi, who lost four family members in the fire, stated that the accused sought 'special consideration' due to health concerns. However, Joshi argued against any leniency, emphasizing the gravity of the situation involving mass casualties.
Despite the defense's requests for medical accommodations, the court found no justification for such claims. The accused had requested better conditions in custody, including a comfortable mattress, which the court denied.
Upon their arrival at Manohar International Airport in Mopa, Goa, at 10:45 AM, the Luthra brothers were first taken to a Primary Health Centre for medical checks, followed by a visit to the District Hospital.
After their health assessments, they were presented in court, where the judge ordered further medical evaluations. Subsequently, they were returned to the District Hospital for additional checks.
The Anjuna police had previously filed charges against the brothers, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, following the devastating fire at their nightclub. They had fled to Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the incident, prompting an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and the cancellation of their passports.
Thai authorities detained them on December 11 at the request of the Indian government, which facilitated their deportation under international legal agreements. Additionally, five staff members and managers have already been arrested in connection with the fire.