The detention of brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra in Thailand follows a tragic fire at a nightclub in Goa, India, that resulted in the deaths of 25 people. The fire occurred at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora around midnight on March 23, 2024. The brothers were reportedly in Thailand on a business trip to establish a restaurant in Phuket when they were detained.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed their detention while addressing reporters in Panaji. He stated, “We have detained them today in Thailand. We will bring them to Goa within a short span of time.” The brothers’ lawyer, Tanvir Ahmed Mir, expressed concerns regarding their treatment, indicating that they were not the nightclub’s owners but merely licensees. He emphasized their lack of culpability, claiming that the nightclub’s staff managed its daily operations.
As the investigation unfolds, Indian authorities have arrested six other individuals connected to the incident, including five employees of the nightclub. The legal representative for the Luthra brothers argued that staff oversight of the establishment absolves his clients of responsibility.
The nightclub fire has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to the tragic loss of life, which included at least four tourists and 14 club employees. In response to the disaster, Indian authorities have pledged compensation for the victims’ families.
Goa, known for its beaches and vibrant tourism, welcomed approximately 5.5 million visitors in the first half of 2024, including around 271,000 international tourists, according to government statistics. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards at entertainment venues in the region, prompting calls for a thorough review of regulations governing such establishments.
As the case develops, the Luthra brothers remain in detention, with their legal team advocating for their rights amid rising tensions surrounding the investigation.
