Fri Dec 12 04:27:46 UTC 2025: Summary:
Following a deadly fire at their Goa nightclub, ‘Birch by Romeo Lane,’ resulting in 25 deaths, the Luthra brothers fled to Thailand. After being detained in Phuket at India’s request, the deportation process is underway. They are being transferred to Bangkok where an Indian law enforcement team will take custody. With their passports cancelled, they will be issued emergency travel certificates and flown back to India by Monday. They face culpable homicide and negligence charges related to the fire, sparked by electric firecrackers, which revealed severe fire safety violations. Interpol issued blue corner notices, and their anticipatory bail was rejected.
News Article:
Goa Nightclub Owners Face Homicide Charges as Deportation from Thailand Nears Completion
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, Goa, are one step closer to facing justice in India after fleeing the country following a devastating fire that claimed 25 lives. The brothers, who fled within hours of the deadly incident, were apprehended by Thai authorities in Phuket acting on a request from the Indian government.
The deportation process is now in full swing. Thai officials are transferring the Luthras to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport where an Indian law enforcement team will take custody. Due to their cancelled passports, the Indian Embassy will issue emergency travel certificates to facilitate their return to India.
“The entire process is being carefully coordinated between the Indian foreign ministry, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the CBI, and the Royal Thai Police,” stated a source familiar with the matter.
The Luthra brothers are expected to arrive in India by Monday, where they will face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. These charges stem from the horrific fire at their nightclub which left dozens dead and injured. Investigations revealed severe fire safety violations at the venue, including the use of flammable materials and a lack of functioning fire extinguishers. Electric firecrackers are believed to have ignited the blaze.
“The club was essentially a death trap,” stated a Goa police official.
The brothers’ attempt to secure anticipatory bail was rejected by a local court. Interpol had also issued blue corner notices identifying them as suspects in the case. Their passports were suspended by the Indian government.
The incident, which occurred during a musical night packed with approximately 100 tourists, has sparked outrage in Goa and across India, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in entertainment venues.
First Piper 