Goa nightclub fire: Owners flew out to Phuket within hours of blaze; 'intent to evade probe'

NEW DELHI: The owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the north Goa nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people, left the country just hours after the blaze, police confirmed on Monday, even as one of them posted a message expressing "profound grief" over the tragedy.

Goa Police said that soon after an FIR was registered, a team was dispatched to New Delhi to raid the residences of brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. The houses were found locked, a notice was pasted, and checks with the Bureau of Immigration revealed that both had boarded a 5.30 am flight to Phuket, barely a few hours after the fire that erupted past midnight, news agency PTI reported.




A Look Out Circular was issued on December 7, and police have now sought the help of the CBI’s Interpol Division to trace and detain the duo. "Their departure immediately after the incident indicates intent to evade investigation," a senior officer told PTI.

'Profoundly grieved,' says owner online

Even as police chased leads, an Instagram statement surfaced from owner Saurabh Luthra, saying he was "deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives" and expressing solidarity with families of the deceased and injured. In the post, Luthra said the establishment would offer "every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation."

Meanwhile, four staff members, including the chief general manager, general manager, bar manager and gate manager, have been arrested and remanded to police custody. FIRs have been filed against the Luthra brothers, owners of the Birch and Romeo Lane chain.

The Goa government has ordered a magisterial inquiry, constituted a multi-agency committee, and asked for a report on procedural lapses within one week.

Meanwhile, police have completed autopsies and returned all 25 bodies, 20 staffers and five tourists, including four from Delhi, to their families.
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