New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) In a rapid multi-agency endeavor spanning two nations, the apprehension of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, proprietors of Goa’s Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub, occurred in Thailand. This action follows a devastating fire at the nightclub which claimed the lives of 25 individuals, prompting the Luthra brothers to escape the country.

The process for their deportation has commenced, with officials anticipating a swift return. The brothers are currently housed in a detention facility in Phuket, and communication with Thai officials is underway, as efforts to facilitate their return are progressing.

Indian authorities acted immediately upon receiving notification from immigration officials regarding the brothers’ exit. Thai authorities were promptly informed, with the immigration desk initiating the alert. Once confirmation of their arrival in Phuket was received, the Thai authorities were alerted.

One official noted the critical nature of the operation, as there was a chance the brothers might abscond from Thailand upon realizing their movements were tracked. Following the alert to Thai authorities, they rapidly initiated island-wide searches.

The detention was delayed as the brothers had relocated from their initial accommodation in Phuket, prolonging the search. Ultimately, they were located and taken into custody.

Officials revealed that the Luthra brothers purchased their flight tickets at 1:17 a.m. on December 7, coinciding with the firefighting efforts to control the blaze and rescue trapped patrons at the nightclub in Airpora, Goa.

Now in Thai custody, authorities are advancing legal procedures. An official indicated that deportation is expected imminently. Upon their return to India, they will be handed over to the Goa police for further investigation.

Another official stated that the deportation might occur within a day. The Goa police have suspended their passports, and the Ministry of External Affairs is reviewing a request from the Goa police to revoke the brothers' passports.

A court in New Delhi recently denied the Luthra brothers interim protection from arrest. Their attorney claimed the brothers did not flee but were on a business trip, arguing they were not owners but merely licensees of the nightclub. They asserted that the nightclub’s daily operations were managed by staff, thereby absolving them of direct accountability.

In connection with the investigation, the Goa police have detained five managers and staff members. Goa Chief Minister Promod Sawant has pledged stringent measures, stating that an inquiry report regarding the incident will be completed within eight days.

On Saturday night, a fire erupted at the nightclub, resulting in 25 fatalities and injuring six others. Approximately 100 patrons were present during the incident. An initial analysis indicates that the fire was caused by the excessive use of flammable materials in the club's decor, alongside alarming violations of fire safety regulations.