Police Reject Business Trip Claim

In the bitter legal battle unfolding in Delhi, Goa Police presented a blunt case against the Luthra brothers. According to the police, the duo did not travel to Thailand on business as they claimed in court. Instead, investigators said they booked their tickets within minutes of learning about the fire at their nightclub in Arpora, North Goa—fueling the belief that they left the country to escape legal scrutiny and public anger.

The brothers had approached a Rohini court in the national capital seeking interim protection from arrest. They argued that they had important work commitments and planned to return to India soon. Their legal team said they operated restaurant and hospitality ventures in India and abroad, and that daily operations were managed by others.

However, the police told the court that there was no evidence of business interests in Thailand and that the timing of their departure, just hours after the fire erupted, raised serious doubts about their intentions.

Fire Tragedy and Flight to Phuket

The blaze at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa claimed the lives of 25 people, including staff and visitors, prompting widespread outrage and grief. Emergency services were still battling the flames and carrying out rescue efforts in the early hours when the Luthra brothers booked their flight to Phuket from Delhi.

Goa Police later suspended the brothers’ passports and asked Interpol to issue a Blue Corner notice to track them down internationally. Thai authorities detained the brothers in Phuket, and India is now processing their deportation back to face questioning and potential charges related to negligence and culpable homicide.

Legal Pushback and Court Decision

In Delhi, the court refused to grant immediate bail or protection from arrest, stating that the allegations were serious and the claim of business travel appeared inconsistent with evidence. The matter was adjourned for further hearings. Police also highlighted that when investigating officers visited their residence, family members claimed to have no information about the brothers’ whereabouts, a detail authorities described as evasive.

The unfolding case has drawn national attention, not only for its human toll but for its implications on safety standards and accountability in entertainment venues. With extradition proceedings underway, the Luthra brothers now face a difficult legal road ahead as India seeks to bring them home to answer for the deadly fire.