Luthra brothers fled the country hours after the tragic blaze occurred.
In a startling development following the devastating blaze that claimed 25 lives at a popular nightlife venue, Goa Police have confirmed that the owners of the establishment have fled India. Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the brothers behind 'Birch by Romeo Lane' in Arpora, reportedly escaped to Thailand just hours after the incident occurred late Saturday night.
According to senior officials, the Goa Police acted immediately after filing the FIR, dispatching a special team to the brothers' residence in North Delhi. However, the accused were not found at their home near GTB Nagar. Subsequent investigations by the Bureau of Immigration revealed that the duo boarded a flight to Phuket from Mumbai at 5:30 am on Sunday, December 7.
International Manhunt Begins
To expedite their capture, Indian authorities are now escalating the matter to the global stage. A lookout circular (LOC) was already issued by Sunday evening. Now, the Goa Police is coordinating with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to request a Blue Corner Notice from Interpol.
A Blue Corner Notice is an international alert used to locate, identify, or obtain information on a person of interest in a criminal investigation. Officials note that India has had an operational extradition treaty with Thailand since 2015, which could play a crucial role in bringing the accused back to face justice.
A History of Violations
The Luthra brothers, who engineered a rapid rise in the hospitality sector over the last decade, are now facing intense scrutiny. What began with a single cafe in Delhi expanded into a massive chain of 'Romeo Lane' restrobars across 30 cities, including a presence in Dubai. Saurabh Luthra, a computer science engineer, had frequently been featured in media lists of top young entrepreneurs.
However, their operations have been marred by regulatory issues. In 2024, their Delhi outlet faced municipal action for hygiene and seating violations. More recently, the Goa State Pollution Control Board issued a notice to their establishment for flouting noise pollution norms.
Systemic Failures Exposed
The ongoing investigation into the Birch nightclub fire has uncovered severe safety lapses. The police FIR highlights a complete lack of fire safety equipment and the absence of emergency exits, which left victims trapped. Furthermore, the club was operating without a valid trade license, which had expired in March 2024.
While the owners remain at large, the police have arrested five individuals connected to the club's daily operations, including the general manager and the event organizer.
Government Action
The tragedy has prompted a crackdown by the state administration. The Goa government has formed a four-member committee headed by the North Goa Collector to conduct a magisterial inquiry. Additionally, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority has issued an urgent advisory requiring all clubs and event venues to conduct internal safety audits within seven days.
Revenue authorities have also sealed other commercial properties linked to the 'Romeo Lane' brand as scrutiny of their documents continues.
