Goa nightclub owners detained in Thailand — extradition to India now underway
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Summary: Luthra brothers, linked to deadly Goa club fire, detained in Thailand; India begins deportation proceedings.
In a breakthrough in the investigation into the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Arpora, Goa, Delhi businessmen Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra have been detained by Thai authorities in Phuket on Thursday.
The two brothers, co-owners of the restaurant-club chain that operates outlets in India and overseas, had fled to Thailand hours after a devastating blaze at their club on December 6 killed 25 people and injured several others.
Indian officials had issued lookout notices and moved quickly to suspend their passports under the Passport Act, making their stay in Thailand unlawful. An Interpol Blue Notice was also issued to help trace and detain them.
Photographs released by authorities show the brothers in custody, and Delhi Police teams are already coordinating with Thai counterparts to deport them back to India, where they will face legal proceedings. Officials say this extradition process could be completed within the next 24–48 hours.
The nightclub fire — which broke out during a musical performance late at night — has sparked national outrage and intense scrutiny of safety lapses. Early investigations by the police found many violations, such as flammable rooms and a lack of fire safety equipment, which made the fire a disaster.
Investigators have also arrested other staff members connected to the club, and authorities in North Goa have taken additional steps, such as banning fireworks in nightclubs and tourist venues, as a wider safety measure.
With the Luthra brothers now in custody abroad and India pressing for their return, the case is entering a crucial phase, as police build charges including culpable homicide and negligence against them.
