Is the Co-owner of the Nightclub Involved in the Goa Fire Tragedy Now Detained?
Synopsis
The arrest of nightclub co-owner Ajay Gupta in connection with the Goa fire tragedy raises questions about accountability. As the investigation unfolds, search efforts for the remaining owners intensify, shedding light on the tragic events that claimed numerous lives.
Key Takeaways
Ajay Gupta detained by Goa Police.
Tragic fire resulted in 25 fatalities .
Ongoing search for Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra .
Police have arrested six individuals related to the case.
Narrow exit points contributed to the tragedy.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Goa Police have taken Ajay Gupta into custody, one of the four proprietors of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, where a tragic fire incident resulted in the loss of 25 lives.
With Gupta's detention, the total number of individuals apprehended in connection to this case has now increased to six, according to police officials on Wednesday.
Previously, the Goa Police had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) for Gupta and another owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, amid intensified search efforts related to the deadly blaze.
The LOC was initiated after a police team could not locate Gupta at his residence in Delhi during an earlier investigation.
He was later located in the national capital and taken into custody.
Law enforcement sources indicate that Gupta will soon be officially arrested following the necessary legal procedures to transfer him to Goa.
Meanwhile, two other nightclub owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, remain at large.
A blue corner INTERPOL notice has been issued for both as efforts to track them continue.
To date, police have arrested five individuals in relation to the incident, including the nightclub's chief general manager, Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli.
Investigations suggest that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are believed to have fled to Phuket, Thailand in what police describe as a meticulously planned escape executed within five hours following the tragic fire.
As police continue their search for the two brothers without success, a raiding team from Goa visited their residences in Delhi and posted notices on their doors.
According to police reports, the two boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, seemingly attempting to evade arrest or questioning after the fire erupted around midnight.
A Look Out Circular was later issued for the Luthra brothers on Sunday evening, several hours after they had already departed to Thailand.
The significant fire at the club claimed 25 lives, including four tourists and 14 staff members.
The identities of seven victims remain unconfirmed, while six others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Police officials noted that the club, located near the backwaters of the Arpora River, had a narrow entry and exit, which contributed to many victims being unable to escape the blaze in time.
The fire broke out around midnight on Sunday at the club situated in the vibrant Baga area, known for attracting large crowds due to its closeness to one of Goa's most popular beaches.
Point of View
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations in public venues. The loss of life is heartbreaking, and accountability must be established to prevent such calamities in the future. The community deserves answers and justice.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the nightclub owners?
Ajay Gupta has been detained, while Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra remain at large with an INTERPOL notice issued against them.
How many people were affected by the fire?
The fire tragically claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff, with several others injured.
What actions have the police taken following the incident?
The police have arrested six individuals so far and are actively searching for the remaining nightclub owners.
What safety issues have been highlighted by this incident?
The nightclub's narrow entry and exit points significantly hindered escape during the fire, raising serious safety concerns.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
Authorities are working on formal arrests and continuing the search for the absconding owners.
