Goa Court Extends Custody of Nightclub Owners in Deadly Fire Case

Custody Extended Amid Ongoing Investigation

A Goa court has extended the police custody of brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, until December 29, 2025. The decision was made by the Judicial Magistrate First Class of Mapusa court on Friday, December 26, following the expiration of their initial 10-day remand. The Luthra brothers are under investigation in connection with a tragic fire at their nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, which resulted in the deaths of 25 people earlier this month.

Their advocate, Parag Rao, stated that his clients did not oppose the extension, expressing their willingness to cooperate with the investigating officer. The Anjuna police have registered a case against the brothers for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offenses.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The fire erupted at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on the night of December 6, 2025, claiming the lives of 25 individuals and injuring 50 others. Among the deceased were 20 staff members and 5 tourists, including four members of a single family from Delhi. Most victims succumbed to toxic smoke inhalation.

Initial reports suggested a cylinder blast as the cause, but subsequent investigations have pointed towards the use of indoor pyrotechnics, specifically cold pyro guns, during a dance performance as the likely trigger. The nightclub, which opened in 2024, was reportedly hosting a 'Bollywood Banger Night' dance party when the blaze broke out around 11:45 p.m. IST.

Regulatory Lapses and Flight to Thailand

The investigation has brought to light significant regulatory lapses. The Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub was allegedly operating without valid permissions and had previously received demolition notices for illegal construction on a salt pan. Authorities claim the establishment lacked mandatory fire safety clearances, and its internal layout, characterized by narrow exits, inadequate ventilation, and overcrowding, severely hampered evacuation efforts.

Hours after the tragedy, on December 7, 2025, at 5:30 AM, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra reportedly fled to Thailand. They were subsequently deported from Thailand and taken into custody by Goa Police upon their return to India on December 17, 2025.

Wider Investigation and Other Accused

The probe into the fire has expanded, leading to other arrests and the identification of additional accused. So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. These include another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, who was arrested for alleged forgery and licensing irregularities. Police have also initiated the process for a Blue Corner Notice through Interpol against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, an accused landowner who is believed to have fled to the United Kingdom.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, and the inquiry report has since provided 60 recommendations to the state government to prevent similar tragedies. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, has called the incident a 'tragedy for the entire nation'.