Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers Linked to Blaze Detained in Thailand as India Begins Deportation Process

Two brothers allegedly connected to the Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives are believed to have been detained in Thailand, according to officials familiar with the developments. Indian authorities are now working with Thai agencies to bring the men back to face trial, as the investigation into the Birch by Romeo Lane blaze in North Goa's Arpora intensifies.

Officials said Indian agencies have begun formal coordination with Thailand to initiate the deportation of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra. The brothers reportedly left the country soon after the December 6 fire. Parallel efforts are under way to restrict their travel documents and to determine their liability for the alleged safety lapses at the nightclub.

Passport Cancellation and Interpol Notice

The external affairs ministry is currently reviewing a request from the Goa government to cancel the passports of the two men, who state officials describe as co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane. The club, located about 25 kilometres from Panaji, caught fire shortly after midnight, with flames spreading rapidly through the crowded space.

Before their suspected detention in Thailand, the Central Bureau of Investigation had secured an Interpol Blue Corner notice for the brothers, enabling member countries to track their movements. This step followed findings by the Goa Police suggesting that the two appeared to be attempting to evade authorities soon after the tragedy.

Flight Booked During Rescue Operations

Investigators say the brothers booked their flight to Thailand at 1:17 am on December 7 via an online portal, even as emergency teams were still battling the blaze and rescuing trapped patrons inside the nightclub. One official involved in the case noted that the timing of this booking strongly indicated an effort to leave the country while the scale of the disaster was still unfolding.

Meanwhile, the Goa Police have arrested five individuals associated with the club's management and operations. Officers allege that significant safety and emergency preparedness lapses contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which engulfed the establishment while it was hosting late-night visitors.

Earlier, a court in New Delhi declined to grant interim protection from arrest to the Luthra brothers. Their legal team had argued that the men were routine business travellers, that they held licences rather than ownership titles, and that the day-to-day operations of the nightclub were handled by on-site staff. The court refused to accept these claims at the preliminary stage.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the inquiry report into the fire will be completed within eight days. The state government has begun distributing compensation to the families of the victims and has launched strict safety audits across entertainment and nightlife establishments to prevent similar incidents.

As the investigation moves forward, the expected return of the Luthra brothers from Thailand is seen as a critical step toward determining accountability and ensuring that the full circumstances behind one of Goa's deadliest nightclub fires are brought to light.