The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Wednesday told the Rohini Court that brothers Gaurav and Saurav Luthra, accused in the Goa club fire incident, left the country shortly after the tragedy. Police further informed the Court that a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against them has already been issued by a Goa court, arguing that the duo is deliberately avoiding investigation and should not receive interim protection.
The Luthras, however, through their counsel, contended that they fear immediate arrest if they return to India. Their lawyers said the two had travelled to Thailand for business purposes and now wished to come back but were apprehensive of being taken into custody upon landing. They requested transit anticipatory bail to enable them to approach the appropriate court in Goa.
The Rohini Court considered the applications on Wednesday and questioned their maintainability since the accused are currently outside Delhi’s jurisdiction. Senior Advocates Siddharth Luthra and Tanveer Ahmad Mir argued that the brothers are permanent residents of Delhi and that courts outside the place of occurrence may still grant urgent interim relief in exceptional circumstances.
State counsel maintained that the accused were absconding and sought time to file a detailed status report on their departure and the steps taken by Goa Police. The Court granted the request and directed the State to submit all relevant documents before the next hearing.
The defence pressed for temporary protection until Thursday, arguing that the brothers intend to return to India to exercise their legal rights but fear coercive action, including possible detention at the airport. The prosecution opposed the plea, citing the NBW and alleging clear attempts at evasion.
Without granting any interim relief, the Court listed the matter for further hearing at 12 noon on Thursday, when it will review the State’s status report and decide on the prayer for transit protection.
The defence also claimed that authorities plan to impound the accused persons’ passports and arrest them upon arrival, despite their foreign travel being for business expansion. They highlighted that the club possessed all required approvals—FSSAI license, state license, liquor license, and GST registration—and argued that the fire was triggered by a lady performer using cold pyros during her act. The prosecution, however, has invoked Section 304 of the IPC, alleging culpable homicide in connection with the incident.
