From Goa’s Deadly Nightclub :Inferno to Arrest in Phuket The Luthra Brothers’ Dramatic Escape Exposed
From Goa’s Deadly Nightclub: The tranquil party hub of North Goa turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy on the night of December 6 when a raging fire engulfed Birch by Romeo Lane, a premium nightlife venue in Arpora. Within minutes, fireworks meant for entertainment became instruments of disaster, trapping dozens inside a venue that had allegedly flouted every basic fire safety regulation. Twenty-five lives, mostly young staff members and a few tourists, were lost in what is now being described as one of the worst nightclub fires in recent Indian history.
Authorities wasted no time pointing fingers at gross negligence. Blocked emergency exits, illegal indoor pyrotechnics, overcapacity, and absent fire suppression systems painted a picture of reckless profiteering over human safety. An FIR was registered within hours against the owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, along with the management team and event organizers.
How the Owners Vanished While Rescue Operations Continued
While firefighters battled flames and pulled out charred bodies, the Luthra brothers were already planning their exit. Digital footprints recovered by investigators show that at 1:17 AM on December 7, barely an hour after the fire started, one of the brothers logged into MakeMyTrip and booked two tickets on the earliest available flight to Thailand. They boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Goa International Airport at 5:30 AM, reaching Phuket just as news of the death toll began dominating national headlines.
This calculated departure, executed while victims were still being identified, triggered nationwide outrage and intensified the manhunt.
Swift Police Action and International Pursuit
Goa Police moved with unusual speed. Passports of both brothers were suspended the same day, and a request was sent to the Ministry of External Affairs for immediate revocation. Lookout Circulars were issued against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, and Interpol was roped in through a Blue Corner notice to track their movements across borders.
Thai immigration authorities, acting on the Interpol alert, detained the brothers on December 11 at Phuket International Airport as they attempted to extend their stay or possibly move to another country. Deportation proceedings began almost instantly.
Minute-by-Minute Timeline of the Tragedy and Flight
December 6 11:45 PM – Fire ignites from pyrotechnics on the first-floor dance floor of Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora. 11:55 PM – Flames spread rapidly through synthetic décor and blocked passages; panic ensues. 12:02 AM (Dec 7) – First emergency call received by Goa Police and fire services. 12:10 AM – Fire tenders reach the spot; rescue operations start amid zero visibility and extreme heat. 1:17 AM – While bodies are still being recovered, the Luthra brothers book tickets to Phuket via MakeMyTrip. 4:00 AM – Fire finally brought under control; recovery of bodies begins. 5:30 AM – Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra board IndiGo flight to Phuket and flee India.
December 7 – 10 Intensive investigation reveals multiple fire-safety violations and licensing violations. Five managers and staff arrested in Goa. Lookout Circulars and Interpol notices issued.
December 11 Thai authorities detain both brothers in Phuket. Indian embassy coordinates deportation.
Why This Case Has Shocked the Nation
Beyond the heartbreaking loss of 25 lives, the case exposes deep-rooted issues in India’s nightlife industry: casual disregard for fire NOC requirements, bribing of local officials to run overcapacity venues, and the ease with which accused persons with money and connections can flee the country within hours of a crime. The fact that the owners allegedly prioritized escape over staying back to help victims or face accountability has fueled public anger and calls for stricter laws against economic offenders.
Legal experts say that once deported, the brothers will face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 304 IPC), causing death by negligence (Section 304A), and violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Given the scale of evidence including CCTV footage, booking records, and witness statements, bail looks extremely unlikely.
What Happens Next
Thailand has assured full cooperation, and sources indicate the brothers could be on a flight back to India within days. Goa Police has formed a special team to take them into custody the moment they land. The investigation is also expanding to event management companies and local authorities who cleared the venue despite obvious risks.
This incident serves as a grim reminder that nightlife glamour often hides deadly compromises on safety, and that justice, though delayed by money and borders, eventually catches up.