The detention of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, in Thailand marks a critical breakthrough in the investigation into the devastating fire that tragically claimed 25 lives at the venue.
The Delhi-based brothers, who own the wider ‘Romeo Lane’ chain, fled India in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, just hours after the massive blaze erupted in the North Goa nightclub. Reports indicate that they booked flight tickets to Phuket, Thailand, at 1:17 am, even as emergency services were battling the inferno and attempting to rescue those trapped inside—a fact that has been interpreted as a deliberate attempt to evade accountability.
Following their escape, the Goa Police immediately issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) and, with the assistance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), secured an Interpol Blue Corner Notice against the duo.
This international notice, used to collect information on a person’s location in connection with a criminal investigation, was processed with unusual speed, given the severity of the incident.
Their detention in Thailand, specifically in Phuket, was confirmed by officials on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following a coordinated request from the Indian government to the Thai authorities.
The Luthra brothers are facing severe charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence, following preliminary findings that the club lacked essential fire safety equipment, operational emergency exits, and had structural deficiencies that contributed to the high casualty count.
The fire is believed to have been sparked by the deployment of electric firecrackers during a musical event, with flammable decor exacerbating the situation. Now detained by the Thai Police, the process for their deportation back to India has been initiated.
India and Thailand have an Extradition Treaty in place, signed in 2013 and in force since 2015, which provides the legal framework for bringing back fugitives wanted for serious offenses punishable by at least one year of imprisonment in both jurisdictions.
A team of Indian officials has traveled to Thailand to complete the necessary formalities, with sources indicating that the repatriation is expected to happen shortly, allowing the Luthra brothers to finally face trial in Goa for the tragic incident that has shaken the nation.
Their detention comes shortly after the arrest of another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, and the suspension of the Luthra brothers’ passports, underscoring the relentless pressure from Indian law enforcement to ensure all individuals responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.
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