In a dramatic turn of events, two brothers were detained in Thailand after their nightclub in Goa was engulfed in a deadly fire that resulted in the loss of 25 lives. Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch By Romeo Lane, had reportedly fled to Phuket shortly after the tragedy.
India's ambassador to Thailand, Nagesh Singh, confirmed the brothers' detention, stating they will be sent back to India following a refusal by a Delhi court to grant them protection from arrest. The Goa government has also initiated procedures to revoke their passports.
The fire, believed to have been sparked by fireworks ignited inside the club, ensued during the early hours of Sunday in a bustling tourist area of Goa known for its lively nightlife. Most of the victims were club staff, while five were identified as tourists.
Reports indicate that police raided the Luthras' residence in Delhi hours after the fire, but the brothers had already left the country, prompting the police to enlist Interpol's assistance.
In their public statements, the Luthra brothers maintain they did not intend to evade the law and have committed to cooperating with authorities upon their return. The incident has prompted widespread outcry and investigation, with Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announcing that six individuals have already been arrested in connection with the fire.
Goa, known for its history and vibrant tourist attractions, is grappling with this traumatic event, which highlights the need for enhanced safety regulations in public entertainment venues, particularly as the region attracts millions of visitors each year.
