Goa Nightclub Tragedy: Luthra Brothers Held in Thailand, Deportation Pending

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are co‑owners of the restaurant/nightclub chain Romeo Lane, through which they operated the club Birch by Romeo Lane. Their club was located in Arpora, North Goa. On December 6, 2025, around 11:45 PM, a fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane during a club event. Tragically, 25 people lost their lives in the blaze. The fire reportedly involved the use of firecrackers or pyrotechnics during the event, which investigators believe triggered the inferno. In response, authorities in India issued a “Blue Corner Notice” (through Interpol) and requested action from foreign agencies to locate and detain them. 

Detention in Thailand & Passport Suspension

Upon India’s request, Thai police detained Saurabh and Gaurav in a resort in Phuket. Photographs later emerged showing the brothers detained in handcuffs. Back in India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) suspended their passports under the relevant national law (the Passports Act, 1967).The brothers face serious charges: culpable homicide not amounting to murder and allegations of negligence in connection with the fire that claimed 25 lives. India and Thailand are parties to a bilateral extradition treaty (2013), under which, because the charges involve a minimum jail term exceeding one year, Thailand is obligated to deport/extradite them.

As of now, deportation proceedings are underway—a Goa Police team is expected to travel to Thailand soon to take custody. The Luthras claim their trip to Thailand was a pre‑planned business trip and not an attempt to evade justice. 

They also contest direct liability, stating they were “licensees” and not involved in day-to-day operations of the club—arguing that they cannot be held criminally responsible for what happened. 

The incident has sparked widespread anger nationwide and renewed scrutiny on safety standards in Indian clubs/nightclubs—many of which have been found negligent in safety compliance. Authorities have already begun tightening safety audits, and there’s pressure to ensure accountability at all levels—owners, management, regulatory authorities, and nightlife regulators.