Goa, Dec. 09, 2025

Police in Goa have said that Delhi businessmen Saurabh Luthra and his brother, Gaurav Luthra, left India just hours after a deadly fire broke out at their nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, in Arpora. The late-night blaze on Saturday claimed 25 lives, most of them staff members and a family from Delhi who had been visiting Goa. The incident has sparked anger, shock, and major questions about safety and accountability.

According to police, the Luthra brothers boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from New Delhi to Phuket at 5.30 am on Sunday. This was only a few hours after authorities received the first alert about the fire around 12:04 am. By the time police teams reached their Delhi residence on Monday, the brothers were nowhere to be found. Later, investigators confirmed through the Bureau of Immigration that they had already left the country. A look-out notice had been issued against both owners on Sunday evening, but they had departed before the alert became active.

On Instagram, Saurabh Luthra posted a statement expressing deep grief over the loss of lives. He said the management was “shaken” by the tragedy and promised full support to the families affected. However, the timing of their departure has raised strong suspicions, with police saying it clearly shows an attempt to evade questioning.

The fire is believed to have started due to a possible gas-cylinder explosion in the club’s kitchen area. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a full probe and formed a four-member magisterial committee to determine what caused the fire and who is responsible. The investigation will focus on safety compliance, fire equipment, staff training, and whether the club was operating beyond permitted limits.

Among the victims were three sisters from Delhi — Anita, Kamla, and Saroj Joshi — along with Vinod Kumar, the husband of another sister. Their remains were brought to Delhi and cremated on Monday, leading to emotional scenes as families and friends gathered to mourn their loss.

To aid the investigation, Goa Police detained a nightclub employee, Bharat Kohli, in Delhi. He has been taken to Goa for detailed questioning, as officers try to piece together what happened inside the club just before the fire spread.

The state’s BJP government has also taken action against Romeo Lane properties across Goa. Two popular outlets linked to the same chain, along with a beach shack and another club in Vagator and Assagao, were sealed on Monday. Officials say the move is part of a wider crackdown on establishments suspected of flouting safety norms or operating without proper clearances.

Meanwhile, Goa Police have reached out to the Interpol division of the Central Bureau of Investigation to help locate and detain the Luthra brothers abroad. Authorities say they are taking all steps to ensure that the owners face questioning and legal action.

The tragedy has left the state shaken, bringing fresh scrutiny to nightlife safety in Goa. As families wait for answers and investigators work to establish what went wrong, the incident has become a grim reminder of how quickly a night of entertainment can turn into a disaster when safety checks fail.

 Goa Nightclub Fire: Police Say Owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra Flew to Thailand Hours After Tragic Blaze

The tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa has taken a new turn, with police confirming that the club’s owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, left India just hours after the incident. The fire, which broke out late Saturday in Arpora, claimed 25 lives, including several staff members and a family from Delhi. Police received the first call around midnight, and by early Sunday morning, the owners had boarded a flight from Delhi to Phuket at 5.30 am.

When officers went to their Delhi home on Monday, the brothers were missing. Later, immigration records showed they had already flown out. A look-out notice had been issued on Sunday evening, but it came too late. Police say the timing of their departure clearly shows an attempt to avoid questioning.

Meanwhile, Saurabh Luthra posted on Instagram expressing deep sorrow for the victims and promising support to the affected families. His message, however, has sparked mixed reactions as many question why he left the country during such a serious investigation.

The fire is suspected to have started due to a gas-cylinder blast, and a full probe is now underway. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has formed a magisterial committee to investigate the cause, safety lapses, and responsibility. Among the victims were three sisters from Delhi and a brother-in-law, whose cremations took place on Monday, leaving their family devastated.

Police have detained a club employee, Bharat Kohli, for questioning and have sought help from Interpol through the CBI to track down the Luthras abroad. The state government has also sealed multiple Romeo Lane properties in Goa as part of a safety crackdown.

This heartbreaking incident has raised serious questions about nightclub safety and accountability in Goa.