Luthra brothers granted 5-day police custody by Goa court in nightclub fire case
Goa nightclub fire: The Luthra brothers, who were brought to Goa from Delhi earlier in the day after being deported from Thailand, were produced in the court in Mapusa after undergoing health check-up at the District Hospital in North Goa.
The Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Goa on Wednesday granted five-day police custody of Luthra brothers - Saurabh and Gaurav in Goa nightclub fire case. Earlier in the day, the court in North Goa ordered fresh medical examination of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, after they were produced there.
Luthra brothers produced in court after health check-up
The Luthra brothers, who were brought to Goa from Delhi earlier in the day after being deported from Thailand in connection with the December 6 fire incident that killed 25 persons, were produced in the court in Mapusa after undergoing health check-up at the District Hospital in North Goa.
The court directed that the accused be sent for fresh medical examination. Accordingly, the two were again taken to the District Hospital.
A team of the Goa Police, along with the Luthra brothers, arrived at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, in North Goa at 10.45 am. The duo was initially taken to a Primary Health Centre at Siolim for medical examination. They were later taken to the District Hospital at Mapusa.
Both brothers were taken to Anjuna police station
After their health assessment, which took over an hour, the two were taken to the Anjuna police station, about 10 km from there. They were subsequently produced in the court.
After the fire tragedy at Arpora village, the Anjuna police had registered a case against the Luthra brothers on various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Luthra brothers were arrested after landing in Delhi
The Luthra brothers were arrested on Tuesday as soon as they landed in Delhi after being deported from Thailand. A court there allowed the Goa Police their two-day transit remand. The duo had fled to Phuket in Thailand early on December 7, hours after the fire at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and cancel their passports.
Goa Police in the remand note alleged that their investigation has revealed that both were involved in the deaths of 25 people. The Luthra brothers along with their associates have ultimate control over operations, safety arrangements and permission.
Luthra brothers played direct role in death of people
Goa Police also informed the court that both the accused are directly responsible for illegal acts. Police said that the Luthra brothers directly responsible as owners and key decision-makers of the establishment.
According to the remand application, investigators have cited prima facie involvement in a cognisable and non-bailable offence, stating that the probe has revealed the accused played a direct role in the incident that resulted in multiple deaths and serious injuries.
The remand note also flags gross negligence and rash conduct, highlighting the failure to provide mandatory fire safety equipment, emergency evacuation mechanisms, and safe infrastructure—acts which endangered human life.
Another key ground cited is that the establishment was allegedly operating without mandatory statutory permissions and licenses, a serious violation that investigators say directly contributed to the incident.
Nightclub premises lacked emergency exit doors
Police have also noted the absence of emergency exits and safety infrastructure, stating that the premises lacked emergency exit doors on both the ground and deck floors, reflecting wilful disregard for public safety norms.
Custodial interrogation has been sought to prevent repetition of similar offences, especially since the accused are stated to be linked to a chain of hotels and restaurants.
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Luthra brothers brought to Goa after deportation from Thailand, to be produced before court today