The owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in North Goa, identified as brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, were deported back to India from Thailand yesterday. They had been living in Bangkok ever since they left India after a fire at their club claimed the lives of 25 people.
As per reports, on arrival in India, the Luthra brothers would be produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi. After that, they would complete all legal formalities in Delhi, following which they would be taken into transit remand by Goa Police to Goa.
Goa Club Fire Caused During Alleged Fire Show
This devastating fire took place on the 6th of December at the Birch by Romeo Lane club, Arpora, in North Goa. Reports say that the fire took place during a fire show that was being conducted at the club. The club was functioning without proper safety clearance and fire approvals at the time of the occurrence of the fire.
Serious Charges Brought Under New Criminal Law
A case has been filed by the Goa Police against the accused for various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023: Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), and 287, as read with Sect 3(5).
Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), and 287 fall under critical offenses of negligence that threaten life.
Special Legal Team Constituted by Goa Government
In order to conduct an in-depth investigation, the Goa government has formed a special legal team to deal with this matter. The investigating officials are also gathering information regarding evidence of every violation of safety and regulations committed by the Luthra brothers. The objective of this is to present a strong charge sheet.
FIR Against Safety Measures or Licences in Goa Club Fire Case
As per the FIR, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra had arranged for a fire show performance at their restaurant, but they did not take adequate measures to ensure safety. The report states that the club did not have basic fire safety equipment, among other safety measures. As a result, there was a huge fire outbreak that claimed the lives of 25 people, including tourists and employees, leaving some severely injured.
This inquiry has further made clear that the restaurant business was being carried out without requisite licenses and approval from the relevant authorities.
Luthra Brothers Co-Partner Already Arrested
Another suspect in the case, Ajay Gupta, who was a partner in Birch by Romeo Lane, Arpora, has already been arrested by the Goa Police in Delhi.
Luthra Brothers Bail Pleas Earlier Rejected
Earlier the Rohini District Court in Delhi had rejected the applications for transit anticipatory bail of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. In this case, the reasons cited for such an order were the seriousness of charges levelled against them and their conduct.
Also Read: Goa Police Expect Custody by Next Week as Luthra Brothers Face Deportation from Thailand
