The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
The Goa Police on Tuesday secured a 48-hour transit remand of nightclub owners Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra from a Delhi court in connection with the deadly fire at a nightclub in Goa that claimed 25 lives. The police told the court that the blaze was triggered during a firework event organised at the venue without adequate fire-safety measures or essential safety equipment.
Presenting its case before the Patiala House Court, the Goa Police stated that the accused are the principal owners and partners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, located in the Arpora area of North Goa, and exercised complete control over the club’s operations, safety arrangements, permissions and events.
According to the prosecution, a firework event held on December 6 was conducted without due care or sufficient firefighting facilities, leading to a massive fire that resulted in the deaths of 25 people, including tourists and staff members, while several others sustained serious injuries.
The police further informed the court that the investigation is at a crucial stage, with key documents such as licences, event approvals and internal communications yet to be recovered. Investigators also indicated that the alleged conspiracy behind the incident is still being probed. It was additionally claimed that the accused had left the country after the incident and were arrested only after their return to India.
After examining the FIR, arrest memos and case diary, Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Chawla granted the transit remand but restricted it to 48 hours from the time of remand. The court observed that there was sufficient material at this stage pointing to the involvement of the accused, noting that further proceedings would fall under the jurisdiction of the appropriate court in Goa.
The magistrate directed the investigating officer to ensure the safe and secure custody of the accused during transit and ordered that they be produced before the competent court in Goa immediately upon arrival. The court also took note of their medical condition, stating that they were fit to travel, and instructed that necessary medicines and medical care be provided during transit.
Following the order, Advocate Surjendu Shankar Das, representing the State of Goa, confirmed that the transit remand had been granted and that both accused would be taken to Goa. Visuals from early Wednesday morning showed the two in police custody at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after their deportation from Thailand and subsequent arrest by a Goa Police team.
The December 6 fire at the Arpora nightclub has led to criminal proceedings against the owners over alleged negligence and violations of mandatory fire-safety norms.
