Delhi's Rohini Court on Wednesday denied immediate interim relief to brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa's Arpora, where a devastating fire on December 6, 2025, claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff. The siblings, who fled to Phuket, Thailand, hours after the blaze amid a police manhunt, filed for transit anticipatory bail to safely return to India without arrest. The court sought a response from the Goa government and scheduled the next hearing for December 11, while Interpol's blue corner notice seeks their location for questioning on alleged safety violations and negligence.

In their plea, argued by senior advocates Siddharth Luthra and Tanveer Ahmed Mir, the brothers portrayed themselves as victims rather than culprits, emphasizing they are Delhi-based entrepreneurs with no direct involvement in daily operations. They claimed the nightclub was managed by partners and staff, including arrested co-owner Ajay Gupta, who was detained in Delhi on Tuesday after faking a spinal injury to evade capture. The Luthras argued that holding them accountable for on-ground lapses would be unjust, as they relied on professionals for compliance.

Accusing the Goa authorities of a "witch-hunt," the brothers alleged politically motivated targeting to deflect from systemic failures in fire safety enforcement across the state's tourism hubs. They insisted their Thailand trip was a pre-planned business visit, not a flight from justice, and that they had not absconded but were cooperating remotely out of fear for their safety. This claim counters police assertions that the duo boarded an early morning IndiGo flight to Phuket just six hours post-incident, prompting a lookout circular and arrests of five club employees.

Also Read: Goa Nightclub Tragedy: Owners Move Court for Pre-Arrest Bail as Police Launch Global Hunt

The Luthras highlighted Saurabh's medical vulnerability, stating he suffers from epilepsy and requires regular treatment, which could be jeopardized by immediate arrest or extradition stress. Their counsel urged four weeks of protection to allow the brothers to return, surrender in Goa courts, and participate in the probe without prejudice. Meanwhile, Gupta, remanded for 36 hours, described himself as a "sleeping partner" during transit, while the fire's cause—preliminarily traced to an electrical short circuit—has exposed broader lapses in Goa's nightlife safety norms.

As the investigation intensifies, with Goa Police coordinating with Thai authorities for the brothers' geo-location, the case underscores tensions between business owners and regulatory oversight in India's party capital. The Romeo Lane chain, spanning 37 cities, now faces reputational damage, while families of the deceased demand swift justice. The court's upcoming ruling could determine whether the Luthras return voluntarily or via international enforcement.

Also Read: Owner of Birch by Romeo Lane, Saurabh Luthra, Identified Following Deadly Fire in Goa