Court Grants Luthra Brothers Bail In Goa Fire Case, Forgery Case Keeps Them Jailed
Court grants bail in fire case, but forgery charges keep Luthra brothers in custody.
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, were denied anticipatory bail by a Goa court in a forgery case tied to the deadly fire that claimed 25 lives, ensuring they remain in custody despite arguments from their legal team.
The tragic blaze erupted at the nightclub in Arpora village on the night of December 6-7, 2025, during a crowded dance event, killing 25 people and injuring around 50 others. The Luthra brothers fled to Thailand immediately after but were deported back to India on December 17 and placed in Colvale Central Jail in North Goa. Anjuna Police continues probing their role in the fire incident, focusing on safety lapses that allowed the venue to operate amid known violations.
A separate forgery case, registered by Mapusa Police, accuses the brothers—and associate Ajay Gupta—of submitting fake documents, including a forged No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Candolim Health Centre, to secure an excise license for alcohol service. The health officer alleged his signature was fabricated as part of the application process to the excise department. On March 27, 2026, the Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa rejected their bail pleas, with advocate Parag Rao noting the court found sufficient grounds for custody despite claims that the brothers did not personally handle the documents.
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The Luthras argued that police already possess the alleged forged papers, negating the need for their detention, but the judge prioritized the ongoing probe into their direct involvement. This decision keeps them jailed even as the fire investigation widens, with authorities now scrutinizing ₹22 crore in related assets. The case underscores regulatory gaps in Goa's nightlife sector, where nightclubs often skirt licensing norms during peak tourist seasons.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has vowed strict action, emphasizing accountability after the nightclub tragedy drew national outrage. As of late March 2026, no updates indicate a reversal on the bail denial, and the brothers await further hearings while lodged in Colvale jail. This dual legal pressure highlights the severe consequences of operational negligence and document fraud in India's hospitality industry.
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