Goa Cops Nab Co-Owner in Nightclub Tragedy, Luthra Brothers Still on the Run

The investigation into the deadly blaze at the Arpora based Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub gained momentum on Tuesday after the Goa police detained co owner Ajay Gupta.

The fire, which erupted around midnight on Saturday, left 25 people dead and triggered a multi agency hunt for all those responsible for lapses at the establishment.

Detention in Delhi After LOC Issued

Gupta had been under the scanner ever since the police issued a Look Out Circular for him and fellow owner Surinder Kumar Khosla. According to a police spokesperson, "We have detained Ajay Gupta, one of the owners of the nightclub. This is the sixth person to be held in connection with the case."

Officials said a police team had earlier gone to his Delhi residence but failed to locate him, prompting the LOC. "Earlier, an LOC was issued against him as a police team had failed to find him at his Delhi residence when it visited it there," the spokesperson noted. Gupta was eventually found in the national capital and detained.

Formal Arrest Expected Soon

Investigators confirmed that Gupta will be formally arrested once all procedural requirements for his transit to Goa are completed. Authorities are preparing paperwork and coordinating with Delhi police before bringing him back to the state for custodial interrogation.

Luthra Brothers Absconding as Hunt Intensifies

While Gupta's detention marks a major step in the probe, two other co owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, remain missing. Police have issued a blue corner notice to help track their movements across borders and are coordinating with central agencies to locate them.

Multiple Staffers Already in Custody

Prior to Gupta's detention, five members of the nightclub's staff had been arrested. Those in custody include chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and employee Bharat Kohli. Their roles are being examined to determine possible negligence or violations that may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Saturday night blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane has emerged as one of Goa's most serious safety lapses in recent years, prompting calls for stricter fire compliance checks across the state. Authorities are expected to conduct more raids and question additional witnesses as the investigation advances.