The dramatic deportation of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra from Thailand to India marks a significant development in the tragic Goa nightclub fire case that claimed 25 lives on December 6, 2025. The brothers, owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, Goa, have been brought back to face serious criminal charges after fleeing the country hours after the devastating incident.
The Tragic Incident
On the night of December 6, 2025, a catastrophic fire engulfed the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in the death of 25 people, including four tourists and 21 club staff members. The tragedy highlighted severe safety lapses and regulatory violations at the establishment. According to investigations, the nightclub was operating without mandatory fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers, alarm systems, suppression equipment, and emergency exits.
The Dramatic Flight
What makes this case particularly shocking is the timing of the brothers’ departure. Within just 90 minutes of the fire breaking out, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra booked flight tickets to Thailand. At 1:17 AM on December 7, 2025, while rescue operations were still underway and firefighters battled the blaze, the brothers logged into MakeMyTrip and purchased tickets to Phuket. They boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Delhi to Phuket at 5:30 AM, mere hours after the tragedy that claimed two dozen lives.
International Manhunt and Detention
Following their flight, Indian authorities swiftly mobilized to locate the brothers. Within 24 hours, a Look-Out Circular was issued, and Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice against them. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed charges for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, which carries a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment under Indian law.
The brothers were eventually traced to Hotel Indigo in Patong, Phuket, where they were detained by Thai authorities on December 11, 2025. Their illegal overstay in Thailand—a consequence of the Indian government suspending their passports—effectively cornered them. Thai immigration authorities took a dim view of their status, and coordination between Indian and Thai law enforcement agencies facilitated their detention.
India-Thailand Extradition Treaty
The deportation of the Luthra brothers was made possible through the India-Thailand extradition treaty signed in 2013, which came into force on June 29, 2015. Under the terms of this treaty, Bangkok is obligated to send back individuals facing charges that carry a minimum jail term of one year. The culpable homicide charges against the brothers clearly met this criterion.
The deportation process, however, faced procedural complications. Since the government had suspended the brothers’ passports to prevent their escape to a third country, they lacked valid travel documents. The Indian Embassy in Bangkok issued Emergency Travel Certificates—one-way travel documents—to facilitate their return to India. This process required coordination between the External Affairs Ministry and the Thai government and took approximately 36 hours.
Deportation and Return
On the morning of December 16, 2025, the Luthra brothers boarded an IndiGo flight (6E 1064) from Bangkok to Delhi. They landed in Delhi around 2 PM IST and were immediately taken into Goa Police custody. Goa Police obtained a 2-day transit remand to bring the brothers to Goa for further investigation and formal arrest.
Criminal Investigation and Evidence
The investigation has uncovered damning evidence against the brothers and their associates. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Goa Police:
- The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub lacked basic fire safety equipment: fire extinguishers, alarms, suppression gear, and a valid fire audit certificate
- The establishment had no proper emergency exits on either the deck or ground floor, trapping guests in the flames
- The nightclub was operating without required permissions and licenses
- The owners, manager, partners, event organizer, and senior staff conducted their operations “without taking proper care and caution” despite “full knowledge” of the risks
Shell Company Network and Financial Trail
During the investigation, authorities discovered a complex network of companies linked to the Luthra brothers. GST records and official documents revealed that 42 companies are registered to their office address in Delhi. Experts suspect these may be shell companies used for money laundering or illegal transactions, a line of investigation currently being pursued by financial authorities.
Additional Arrests and Demolitions
Beyond the Luthra brothers, Goa Police have arrested multiple individuals connected to the nightclub, including Ajay Gupta, described as a ‘silent partner,’ and five managers and staff members. The investigation into other potentially responsible parties remains ongoing.
In a show of resolve, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered the demolition of a beach shack owned by the brothers due to illegal construction and lack of safety measures. This action signaled the government’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations across hospitality venues in Goa.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Denials
Before their deportation, the Luthra brothers approached the Rohini Court in Delhi seeking anticipatory bail, claiming they were not the actual owners but merely license holders of the nightclub. They contended that their trip to Thailand was a planned business meeting, not an escape, and cited threats to their lives from angry mobs. The court rejected their bail plea, finding their arguments unconvincing.
Implications for Safety and Accountability
The Luthra Brothers case has sparked widespread outrage and prompted critical discussions about safety standards in hospitality venues, particularly nightclubs and bars in tourist destinations like Goa. The incident has raised questions about:
- Enforcement of fire safety regulations
- Role of local authorities in granting operational licenses
- Accountability of establishment owners for guest safety
- Regulatory oversight of high-risk entertainment venues
- Investigation into potential corruption or negligence by officials
Conclusion
The deportation of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra from Thailand represents a significant victory for Indian law enforcement and the pursuit of justice for the 25 lives lost in the Goa nightclub fire. The case demonstrates the power of international cooperation and legal frameworks in tracking and bringing back accused fugitives. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing profit over safety and the importance of rigorous regulatory enforcement in industries where public safety is paramount. The brothers now face serious criminal charges and a legal process that will determine their culpability in one of Goa’s deadliest incidents in recent memory.
