Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the accused owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, have been deported from Thailand and boarded a flight back to India on Tuesday, initiating their return to face serious charges related to the tragic fire that claimed 25 lives earlier this month.

The brothers, who fled to Phuket shortly after the incident, were detained by Thai authorities for overstaying following the suspension of their Indian passports. They are scheduled to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi around 1:45 pm on an IndiGo flight, where a joint team from Goa Police and Delhi Police will take them into formal custody.

Upon landing, the accused are expected to be produced before a court in Delhi to obtain transit remand, facilitating their transfer to Goa for detailed interrogation. They are likely to appear before the Mapusa Magistrate Court on December 17 as investigations intensify into alleged lapses at the venue.

Also Read: Luthra Brothers’ Deportation Delayed as India Revokes Passports Following Goa Fire Tragedy

The devastating fire broke out at the nightclub on the night of December 6, 2025, amid a crowded event, resulting in 25 fatalities—primarily staff members—and injuries to several others. Preliminary probes point to possible ignition from electric firecrackers, compounded by violations of fire safety norms, expired licensing, and illegal operations persisting despite prior demolition orders.

In a related judicial development, the Bombay High Court’s Goa bench on December 16 converted a civil claim by the property owners, Romeo Lane, into a Public Interest Litigation, emphasising accountability. The court sought responses from the state government on licensing issues and appointed advocate Rohit Bras de Sa as amicus curiae, while noting continued commercial activities despite complaints and regulatory orders. The Goa government has assembled a special prosecution team, invoking Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which entails punishment up to 10 years for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as evidence is meticulously compiled against the accused.

Also Read: #JUSTIN: Goa Nightclub Owners Detained in Thailand Five Days After Deadly Arpora Fire