Luthra Brothers to Face Justice in India After Thai Deportation

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, nightclub owners implicated in a deadly Goa fire, are being deported from Thailand. Accused of operating without safety permits, the brothers face charges carrying up to 10 years in prison. India's coordinated legal efforts signal a breakthrough in this high-profile case.

In a significant development, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, proprietors of the ill-fated Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, are being deported from Thailand to India. The brothers, wanted in connection with a devastating fire that claimed 25 lives, will be accompanied by central agency officials upon their arrival, before appearing in Delhi's Patiala House Court.

The tragic incident on December 6, reportedly caused by a fire show, has left the nightclub owners facing allegations of operating without necessary safety permits. The Goa government is keen on ensuring a thorough investigation, tasking a special legal team to effectively prosecute the case. Authorities have invoked Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which provides for a decade-long imprisonment for the alleged offenses.

Captured in Phuket following a diplomatic push, the Luthra brothers' return is being facilitated through an extradition treaty with Thailand. The Indian Embassy in Bangkok is actively engaging with Thai counterparts, marking a pivotal move amidst concerns over potential legal hurdles. As both nations adhere to due process, this case highlights enhanced international cooperation in legal matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)