Goa Club Owners Who Fled After Fire That Killed 25 Have Passports Revoked

Goa Nightclub Owners’ Passports Revoked After Fire That Killed 25

The government on Wednesday revoked the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Goa nightclub where a fire last week claimed 25 lives. The move prevents the Delhi-based brothers, who fled to Thailand hours after the blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, from travelling further from Phuket, and strengthens India’s chances of securing their deportation with Interpol’s assistance.

Sources told India Today TV that the External Affairs Ministry acted on a formal request from the Goa government. Interpol had issued a Blue Corner Notice against the brothers on Tuesday, and they are believed to be hiding in Phuket. Investigators said the brothers booked tickets to Thailand at 1:17 am on December 7, barely an hour after news of the fire spread, while rescue operations were still underway.

In court, the Luthras claimed their travel was pre-planned. Their lawyer told Delhi’s Rohini court that Saurabh left for Thailand on December 6 for “professional engagements and potential restaurant sites.” The brothers requested legal protection to return to India without immediate arrest.

The Rohini court refused immediate relief on Wednesday and scheduled their anticipatory bail plea for Thursday. Goa Police opposed the request, citing that the brothers fled hours after the incident and should not be allowed legal protection while abroad.

Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, the brothers argued they feared arrest upon landing. “I am saying I want to come back to India; they want to arrest me. Witch-hunting is what I am concerned about,” their counsel said.

The Luthras also cited the demolition of their second property in Goa—a beach shack bulldozed earlier this week—as evidence of “vindictive action.” Authorities maintain the shack was illegal, lacked fire-safety clearances, and posed risks similar to the nightclub.

Meanwhile, Goa Police produced another accused, Ajay Gupta, before a Delhi magistrate on Wednesday. After a medical check-up, he will be taken to Goa for further questioning. Investigators indicate more arrests may follow as they piece together the events leading to the fire and the alleged escape attempt by the main accused.

The Rohini court will continue hearings on the Luthras’ plea on Thursday as the Goa government finalizes its response.