Tragic Nightclub Fire in Goa: Owners Arrested for Negligence

Two nightclub owners in Goa, the Luthra brothers, have been arrested following a deadly fire that killed 25 people. The fire, caused by inadequate safety measures during a firework event, has led to criminal proceedings. They were transported from Delhi to Goa under a court-granted 48-hour transit remand.

The owners of Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, were escorted from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to Goa under police custody on Wednesday. This followed a Delhi court's approval of a 48-hour transit remand for the brothers, accused of negligence in a catastrophic nightclub fire.

Authorities apprehended the brothers after their deportation from Thailand. The Goa Police sought their transit remand and informed the court that a deadly fire erupted due to inadequate safety measures during a firework display at the club. The police emphasized the importance of the brothers' presence in Goa for the ongoing investigation.

In submissions to the Patiala House Court, the police identified the Luthras as key operators of the North Goa nightclub and pointed to their responsibility for safety protocols. On December 6, a fireworks event lacking necessary safety equipment led to a blaze that claimed 25 lives. The investigation remains intense, as crucial documents are yet to be recovered.

The accused allegedly fled abroad after the incident, leading to their eventual arrest upon returning to India. The court, equipped with FIRs, arrest memos, and diaries, approved the transit remand, urging the secure transport and immediate presentation before Goa's jurisdiction.

The magistrate addressed the brothers' fitness to travel, ensuring they receive medical care during transit. Advocate Surjendu Shankar Das, representing Goa, confirmed the impending transport, as criminal prosecutions target the brothers' alleged safety violations and negligence. The December 6 fire serves as a chilling reminder of oversight consequences in public venues.

(With inputs from agencies.)