A Delhi court on December 11, 2025, dismissed the anticipatory bail applications of Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the co-owners of the Goa nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane', where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives on December 6, paving the way for their likely arrest and extradition from Thailand. The brothers, who fled to Phuket shortly after the tragedy, had sought pre-arrest bail, citing willingness to cooperate with the investigation, but the court found sufficient grounds for custodial interrogation given the gravity of the charges—including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal negligence, and violations of fire safety norms. The ruling marks a major setback for the duo and reinforces the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing reporters on the same day, confirmed that a joint team of Goa Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will bring the Luthra brothers back "as soon as possible". Sawant also announced the imminent arrest of a local panchayat official for non-cooperation with the probe, adding that three government officers—Shamila Monteiro, Siddhi Halarnkar, and another—face suspension for dereliction of duty. The chief minister reiterated the state government's commitment to thorough accountability and promised sweeping reforms to nightclub safety regulations, including mandatory fire audits and a ban on indoor pyrotechnics.
The fire erupted during an unauthorised indoor fire performance using flammable materials and pyrotechnics, rapidly spreading due to inadequate exits, absent fire suppression systems, and substandard wiring. The club's temporary liquor licence explicitly prohibited such hazardous displays, and preliminary findings revealed glaring lapses in emergency protocols. The incident has drawn parallels to past Goa tragedies and highlighted chronic enforcement issues in the state's tourism-driven nightlife sector.
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The Goa Crime Branch's investigation has widened, with the Luthras identified as prime accused and an Interpol Blue Corner notice issued on December 9. Thai authorities detained the brothers on December 10 following the alert, and extradition proceedings are underway in coordination with India's Ministry of External Affairs and CBI.
As families of the victims—many from Maharashtra and Karnataka—demand swift justice and compensation, the dismissal of anticipatory bail and the government's firm stance signal that the case will be pursued rigorously, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in hospitality violations across the country.
The tragedy has prompted nationwide scrutiny of fire safety in entertainment venues, with the National Disaster Management Authority issuing urgent advisories for compliance checks, ensuring that Goa's vibrant party scene evolves without compromising lives in the future.
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