By Delhi brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who left India after a fire at their Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives, have been detained in Thailand. In two photographs, they appear with their hands tied and passports in hand while standing beside local police officers.
The brothers, restaurateurs who operate the Romeo Lane chain across 22 cities and four countries, reportedly travelled to Phuket just hours after the blaze tore through ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ in North Goa’s Arpora. They are facing charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. Indian authorities are now seeking their deportation, and a team of officials has already flown to Thailand with the expectation of returning with the brothers within 24 hours.
The fire, which broke out late Saturday night during a musical event attended by about 100 people—mostly tourists—left 25 dead and six injured. Videos from the evening show performers on stage as electric firecrackers were used, which investigators believe may have triggered the blaze.
The venue became a death trap due to extensive use of flammable decor and glaring violations of fire safety norms. Officials found no functional fire extinguishers or alarms, and the narrow access road prevented fire engines from reaching the premises, forcing them to stop nearly 400 metres away and delaying rescue efforts. Most victims were discovered in the basement, having succumbed to toxic smoke inhalation.
The tragedy shocked Goa during peak tourist season. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant pledged strict action. Four staff members were arrested, and police launched a nationwide search for the Luthra brothers. When Goa police coordinated with Delhi Police and raided the brothers’ residences, they learned that the two had booked tickets immediately after the incident and left the country within hours. Ajay Gupta, their business partner, has since been arrested in Delhi.
The brothers have now approached a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail. In their plea, they argue that they were licensees—not owners—of the building where the nightclub operated. They are requesting four weeks of transit anticipatory bail to avoid immediate arrest upon return and contend that their trip to Thailand was for business, not an attempt to evade investigation. They maintain that they were not present at the nightclub when the fire occurred.
