As firefighters and rescue teams laboured through the night to save lives at a blazing Goa nightclub, the owners of the venue quietly booked their escape. Police have now confirmed that two men accused of the fire, the brothers behind the establishment, booked tickets to Thailand just over an hour after the fire broke out. The startling timing has intensified public outrage and raised serious questions about their conduct.
The blaze erupted around midnight on Sunday at the club, where about 100 patrons were present. As flames and chaos engulfed the site, the accused were reportedly already planning their exit.
Timeline of Events and Flight Booking
- The first distress call came in at 11:45 pm. The fire started at 12:04 am, when the nightclub was packed.
- Rescue and firefighting teams stayed at the site until 6:00 am, working to control the blaze and tend to victims.
- Meanwhile, the accused booked tickets on the MakeMyTrip platform at 1:17 am, just 73 minutes after the first call.
- By 5:30 am, the brothers boarded a flight from New Delhi to Phuket, Thailand, apparently fleeing before the full scale of the tragedy became clear.
Police Response: No Escape Helped, But Investigations Intensify
Goa Police have denied any allegations of “assisted escape,” stating that all agencies remained on site throughout the night, handling emergency operations. “The accused left on a 5:30 AM flight,” a police spokesperson said.
Authorities have now activated international coordination via INTERPOL to trace and arrest the brothers. Meanwhile, a Delhi court rejected their request for transit anticipatory bail, scheduling a hearing for the next day.
In their legal plea, the men claimed they were only licensees, not owners, a claim that police say stands at odds with ongoing investigations.
Investigators Probe Hostile Escape Move
The fact that the accused attempted to flee so soon after the disaster has raised serious red flags. Officials say the timeline and behaviour suggest a guilty conscience. Experts note that the swift flight booking, during emergency rescue, indicates premeditation, not panic.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, financial records, and travel logs to build a case. They are also examining whether any other individuals aided their escape.
Public Backlash and Demand for Justice
News of the escape attempt has sparked public outrage. Survivors’ families and residents called it a “disgrace,” demanding strict action and fast justice. Many expressed shock, questioning how owners could attempt to flee while victims lay injured or dead.
Civil society organisations have registered complaints, urging authorities to ensure the full chain of responsibility, from owners to staff, faces scrutiny.
What Happens Next: Arrests, Trial, and Accountability
Police say they will follow legal protocols and coordinate with international agencies until the accused are found and brought back. They plan to compile full documentation of the case — fire cause, negligence, escape attempt, and identification of all responsible parties.
If convicted, the accused could face severe criminal charges for culpable homicide, negligence, tampering with evidence, and abetment.
Meanwhile, families of victims continue to wait for closure, and public trust calls for swift, transparent justice.
