Did the Luthra Brothers Seek Bail in the Goa Nightclub Fire Tragedy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 25 lives lost in the nightclub fire.
- Anticipatory bail filed by Luthra brothers.
- INTERPOL notice issued for their arrest.
- Investigation continues with multiple arrests.
- Safety concerns raised about the nightclub's exit routes.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, the owners of the nightclub in Goa where a catastrophic fire resulted in the loss of 25 lives, have submitted a request for anticipatory bail in Delhi's Rohini Court to evade arrest. The hearing for this petition is scheduled for later today. Meanwhile, the Luthra brothers remain absconding.
An INTERPOL blue corner notice has been issued for their apprehension as authorities intensify efforts to locate them.
On Tuesday, the Goa Police apprehended Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub. With Gupta's arrest, the total number of individuals taken into custody in connection with the case has risen to six, according to police reports.
Other arrests include the club's chief general manager, Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and an employee named Bharat Kohli.
Investigations indicate that both Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra are believed to have fled to Phuket, Thailand, in what police describe as a meticulously planned escape executed within hours of the tragic fire.
As police efforts to locate the brothers continued unsuccessfully on Monday, a raiding team from Goa visited their residences in Delhi and affixed notices on the walls.
According to police sources, the brothers boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, presumably to evade arrest following the fire, which erupted just after midnight.
A Look Out Circular against the Luthra brothers was issued later on Sunday evening, several hours after they had already departed for Thailand.
The extensive fire at the nightclub resulted in the tragic death of 25 individuals, including four tourists and 14 staff members. The identities of seven victims remain unconfirmed, while six others are being treated for injuries.
According to police, the nightclub, located by the backwaters of the Arpora River, had a narrow entry and exit, which significantly hindered the escape of many victims during the blaze. 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 proximity to one of Goa's most popular beaches.