The state government of Goa has ordered the demolition of the Romeo Lane shack in Vagator, a club property linked to the fatal fire at Birch by Romeo Lane. The move comes amid an intensifying investigation and growing public anger after a fire there claimed 25 lives.
Owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra allegedly fled to Phuket, Thailand, mere hours after the blaze. Police claim the brothers took a New Delhi–Phuket IndiGo flight early Sunday morning, shortly after formal FIRs were filed against them.
Authorities have issued a lookout notice and are coordinating with international agencies to track the duo and seek their deportation. Meanwhile, raids at their Delhi residence found them missing.
What Went Wrong at Birch by Romeo Lane?
Fire, Flammable Interiors, and a Death Trap
The fire ripped through the club late at night, reportedly triggered by indoor fireworks or electrical sparks during a high-energy event. The venue’s interiors — built with flammable materials like bamboo, thatch, and wood — acted like tinder.
The building had only a single narrow entry/exit and lacked proper fire-safety clearances. These structural flaws turned a party into a disaster zone. Victims — mostly kitchen staff and basement workers — were trapped below as smoke and flames spread rapidly.
Legal Violations and Long-Term Negligence
The club reportedly lacked mandatory licenses and operated illegally. Earlier demolition orders and safety warnings had been issued, but were ignored or halted due to appeals. Officials warn that repeated violations and regulatory failures helped set the stage for the tragedy.
In the FIR filed after the fire, the owners and management have been charged with culpable homicide, negligence, and violating fire-safety regulations. Several top managers were arrested immediately.
Crackdown Widens: From Arrests to Demolition
Following the fire, state authorities moved to seal all related properties of the club chain. The recent demolition order signals a broader crackdown — a step many say was long overdue.
A four-member magisterial inquiry committee now investigates the incident in full detail — from safety compliance to licensing lapses. Officials aim to hold not just the owners, but also local authorities and regulatory bodies accountable.
Who Died — Who Survived
The fire claimed 25 lives, including club staff and tourists. Many victims were kitchen staff working late. Some tourists, including a family visiting from Delhi, also perished. Rescue efforts and medical care are ongoing for the injured.
The tragedy has stirred grief across India and abroad, with growing outrage over lapses in safety and liability.
What This Means for Goa’s Nightlife and Safety Standards
The fire broke out late Saturday inside Birch by Romeo Lane. The flames spread fast through the 300-square-metre property. The venue had a mix of indoor and semi-open sections, and officials say flammable materials inside the club made the situation worse.
Most of the victims were staff members working in the kitchen and basement area. Many were trapped before they could escape. Tourists, including a family from Delhi, also died in the incident.
In the FIR, police booked the Luthra brothers and others for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering lives, and negligence involving fire or combustible materials. These charges point to serious safety lapses and indicate that investigators believe the tragedy was avoidable.
Who Are the Luthra Brothers?
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra run the Romeo Lane chain of nightlife properties across several Indian cities. Their Arpora property, Birch by Romeo Lane, was a popular venue for tourists and young locals. The two brothers managed multiple clubs known for their party themes and upscale ambience.
However, the deadly fire changed everything. Police say the brothers boarded an early morning IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Phuket. Officers found that “both the accused had taken 6E 1073 flight (New Delhi to Phuket) at 5.30 am on 7th December.” A lookout circular had already been issued, but the duo still managed to leave the country.
Teams who visited their North Delhi home said they did not find either of them there. Efforts are now underway to trace their exact location in Thailand. Indian agencies have requested help to geolocate them and seek their deportation through a faster process instead of a lengthy extradition route.
What Happens Next — Investigation, Justice, Reform
Police are working with international agencies to locate the Luthra brothers and bring them back. Meanwhile, the magisterial probe will recommend actions against those responsible, including local officials who allowed the club to operate without valid licences.
The demolition of the Romeo Lane property sends a signal: neglect and dangerous shortcuts in nightlife venues will no longer go unchecked. For families of the dead and survivors, this may be the beginning of long-overdue justice.
