Two Indian brothers wanted in connection with a devastating nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives were arrested in Phuket after fleeing India in an attempt to evade authorities. The fire broke out on December 6 at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightlife venue, and quickly escalated into one of the deadliest incidents in the state’s recent history.
The majority of the victims were employees of the nightclub, though five tourists also lost their lives. Their nationalities have not yet been confirmed. Early reports from BBC suggested the fire stemmed from a gas cylinder explosion, but investigators later shifted focus, stating that fireworks set off inside the club were now believed to be the cause of the blaze.
Indian authorities arrested six individuals associated with the nightclub’s operations shortly after the incident, including the manager. As the investigation progressed, attention turned to the club’s owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. Police raided the brothers’ residence in Delhi, only to find it abandoned. Suspecting they had fled the country, Indian officials coordinated with Thai authorities via Interpol to track them down.
Before leaving India, Saurabh Luthra posted a message of condolence online, expressing sorrow for the victims and promising assistance for affected families. However, both brothers reportedly departed for Phuket shortly afterward, prompting further scrutiny and intensifying the search.
On December 11, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Nagesh Singh, confirmed to BBC that Thai police had located and detained the brothers in Phuket. Their arrest followed several days of coordinated surveillance and cooperation between Indian and Thai law enforcement agencies. According to the ambassador, the brothers will be repatriated to India to face charges related to the nightclub fire, and the Goa state government has initiated steps to revoke their passports.
Upon their arrest, the brothers declined to speak to the media. Their lawyer issued a statement asserting that the nightclub owners were being unfairly targeted, claiming they were victims of a “witch hunt” rather than perpetrators of wrongdoing. The lawyer further argued that the blaze was a tragic accident, not an intentional act of negligence.
The Goa nightclub tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage in India, raising concerns about safety regulations in entertainment venues and prompting calls for stricter enforcement. Fireworks were reportedly used inside the building despite safety risks, and investigators are now examining whether proper permits were obtained and whether fire exits were accessible at the time of the incident.
Authorities in India say that once the brothers are returned, they will face a detailed investigation and potential criminal charges, including negligence leading to death. Meanwhile, Thai officials have emphasized that their swift arrest was part of ongoing international cooperation to ensure that fugitives cannot use Thailand as a safe haven.
As both countries prepare for the extradition process, families of the victims continue to demand justice and stronger safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
