Luthra brothers face intense scrutiny over financial irregularities

Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials launched extensive search operations on Friday, targeting nine different locations across Delhi, Goa, and Haryana. This major crackdown is part of an intensifying investigation into the tragic Goa nightclub fire case, which claimed 25 lives late last year.

Focus on Luthra Brothers

Federal investigators are currently focusing their attention on Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. These two brothers are the promoters of the ill-fated 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora, Goa. Operations began early Friday morning, covering five locations in the national capital, three in Goa, and one in Gurugram, Haryana.

According to official sources, the teams are searching both residential and office premises belonging to the Luthra brothers and their associate, Ajay Gupta. The primary objective is to uncover evidence related to money laundering. Agencies suspect that the club was functioning illegally, and the financial gains derived from these operations are now under the scanner of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Background of the Tragedy

The investigation stems from a horrific fire incident that occurred on December 6, 2025. The blaze at the popular nightclub resulted in 25 fatalities and left numerous others with severe injuries. Following the disaster, the Luthra brothers reportedly fled the country to Thailand. However, their escape was short-lived; they were deported back to India on December 17 and were subsequently detained by the Goa police.

Widening the Net

ED’s Goa unit is looking beyond just the owners. Searches were reported at Outram Lanes in Kingsway Camp, Delhi, and the upscale Tatvam Villas in Gurugram.

Significantly, the probe has expanded to include local officials alleged to be complicit in the tragedy. Premises linked to Roshan Redkar, a former Sarpanch, and Raghuvir Bagkar, a Panchayat Secretary in Goa, are also being searched. Investigators allege these officials facilitated the issuance of illegal trade licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), allowing the club to operate without meeting safety standards.

Illegal Land Conversion

Another critical angle of the probe involves environmental violations. ED teams arrived at the premises of Surinder Kumar Khosla to investigate the illegal conversion of 'khazan' land. This specific type of land, traditionally used as salt pans, was reportedly where the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub was constructed in violation of environmental laws.

Officials stated that the current raids aim to seize documents regarding ownership structures, operational history, and financial transactions. This data will help establish the money trail linked to the regulatory lapses that led to the fatal accident.

With Agency Inputs