Gaurav and Saurav Luthra, key accused in the deadly Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, were traced and detained in Thailand after a seemingly routine decision to step out for a meal. The brothers, who had fled India within hours of the December 6 blaze, were staying in Phuket when Thai authorities, acting on inputs from Indian agencies, placed their hotel under surveillance.
According to sources, the breakthrough came on December 9 when the Luthra brothers briefly left their hotel to eat. Thai immigration and police officials used the opportunity to verify their identities and travel documents. With their passports already under scrutiny and cancellation proceedings underway in India, the brothers were questioned and subsequently detained from their hotel room.
After verification, they were taken into immigration custody, and the process to deport them to India was initiated once formal papers were received. The duo were later shifted to Bangkok and are currently lodged at the Suan Phlu Immigration Detection Centre, where they will remain until deportation formalities are completed. An Indian law enforcement team is expected to take custody of them soon. Since their passports have been cancelled, the Indian embassy will issue emergency travel certificates to facilitate their return.
The fire broke out at a nightclub in Arpora village, North Goa, around midnight on December 6. Investigators allege that fireworks and pyrotechnic effects were used without adequate safety measures, leading to the tragedy. The Luthra brothers are expected to face serious charges, including culpable homicide and murder, for allegedly organising a fire show without proper fire safety arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Goa administration has intensified action against illegalities in nightlife establishments. Another club was sealed for violations, and the state has imposed a ban on fireworks and similar equipment inside tourist venues. The case has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of safety standards in India’s nightlife industry.
