NEW DELHI: Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who were on the run since the devastating Goa nightclub fire, were shifted to Bangkok's Immigration Division Centre, signalling a critical step toward their eventual return to India, sources said.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the transfer, stating it is part of the final procedures for their repatriation. The move follows diplomatic and legal efforts to bring the duo back to face proceedings in India.
TOI earlier reported that the next crucial step was the issuance of an emergency travel certificate. This certificate will be issued by the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and is necessary for the brothers to travel without a standard passport.
"The embassy is currently working on issuing the emergency travel certificate for Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra," a source close to the developments stated. "Once the documentation is complete, their transfer back to India will be finalised."
The process is moving rapidly, and the Luthra brothers could be brought back to India as soon as today (Friday) or Monday. The exact timing is dependent on the completion of the necessary paperwork, primarily the issuance of the travel certificate.
The transfer to the Immigration Division Centre is the final logistical arrangement before the two are escorted onto a flight bound for India. The nature of the proceedings they will face upon arrival in India remains the subject of ongoing speculation.
In a major success for Indian agencies, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, were detained by Thai police early on Thursday at the request of Indian law enforcement agencies.
As their passports were suspended, they became persona non grata in Thailand, prompting the local police to take them into custody. They are likely to be deported soon.
The brothers were wanted after fleeing the country following last week’s blaze at their club that claimed 25 lives. They fled to Phuket, Thailand, and were staying at a resort.
The Thai police located them and released their handcuffed pictures, showing the brothers in their custody. Goa police requested the Interpol through MEA and CBI for their apprehension. A blue corner notice was subsequently issued against them by the Interpol.
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Raj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over ...
Read MoreRaj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime and prisons.
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