Did a Delhi Court Deny Bail to the Luthra Brothers Over the Goa Nightclub Fire?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delhi court denies bail to Luthra brothers in nightclub fire case.
- 25 lives lost in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire.
- Brothers suspected to have fled to Phuket shortly after the incident.
- Interpol notice issued to assist in locating the fugitives.
- Investigators highlight safety concerns regarding the nightclub's design.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) In a significant blow to the absconding owners of a Goa nightclub, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, a Delhi court has on Wednesday denied their request for interim protection from arrest related to the catastrophic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, which tragically resulted in 25 fatalities.
The brothers had applied for transit anticipatory bail from the Rohini court to evade arrest by the Goa Police; however, their application was turned down after the prosecution raised substantial objections.
Having already fled the country, the Luthra brothers remain elusive.
A Blue Corner Interpol Notice has been issued to assist in their capture, while teams both domestically and internationally amplify their efforts to track their whereabouts.
Investigators suspect that the brothers executed a well-coordinated escape to Phuket, Thailand within five hours of the deadly blaze.
Police reports suggest that the duo boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, seemingly to avoid arrest or interrogation following the fire that erupted around midnight. A Lookout Circular was only issued later that evening, several hours after they had departed for Thailand.
On Tuesday, the Goa Police apprehended Ajay Gupta, one of the four co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane.
With his arrest, the total number of individuals detained has risen to six, including Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli.
On Monday, Goa Police teams also visited the residences of the Luthra brothers in Delhi, posting notices on their walls.
The devastating fire, which engulfed the club located near the Arpora River backwaters, claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members.
Seven victims' identities remain unconfirmed, and six others injured in the incident are receiving medical care.
According to police officials, the club's narrow entry and exit were significant factors preventing many victims from escaping the blaze in time.
The fire broke out around midnight on Sunday at the club situated in the bustling Baga area, a location that attracts many visitors due to its proximity to one of Goa's most popular beaches.