New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed search operations at nine locations across Delhi, Gurugram, and Goa as part of an investigation into the Luthra brothers, who run a Goa nightclub where a tragic fire resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals in December 2025. The ED officials seized various incriminating documents and digital devices, as confirmed by an official statement on Sunday.

The investigation also led to the freezing of several bank accounts belonging to entities associated with Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, following the identification of foreign remittances, according to the ED.

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the Directorate of Enforcement’s Panaji Zonal Office carried out these operations. Investigators examined premises linked to the Sarpanch and Secretary of Arpora-Nagao Panchayat as part of the ongoing probe against Saurabh Luthra and others.

During the searches, evidence of foreign remittances being funneled through group entities was discovered, and potential violations of relevant laws are under review, stated the ED.

Further inquiries indicated that funds amounting to crores of rupees, derived from the unlawful operations of the venue, were redirected to personal bank accounts and those of other group companies, according to the ED.

The searches are part of a larger investigation into the alleged money laundering activities associated with the owners of the nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, located in Arpora, Goa, where the devastating fire incident on December 6, 2025, occurred.

The ED initiated this investigation based on two FIRs filed by the Goa Police, which included specified offences under the PMLA.

These searches have revealed significant non-compliance with statutory regulations, such as the acquisition of licenses using forged documents and the ongoing operation of commercial activities without the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.

It was also uncovered that the establishment operating Birch by Romeo Lane generated approximately Rs 22 Crore in revenue during FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, as reported by the ED.

This revenue is suspected to be Proceeds of Crime, given that the club operated without the required statutory licenses and based on falsified No Objection Certificates and licenses from various departments.

Numerous incriminating documents and digital devices pertinent to the inquiry were seized during the searches. Additionally, bank accounts of individuals and entities believed to be involved in holding Proceeds of Crime have been frozen under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002, the statement noted.

The investigation is also scrutinizing potential corruption aspects and the subsequent laundering of Proceeds of Crime by other involved individuals (two of whom were recently apprehended by the Goa Police).