A Delhi court on Wednesday declined to grant immediate interim protection to Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the brothers accused in the Goa nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people last weekend. The Rohini Court sought a detailed response from the Goa government on their plea for transit anticipatory bail and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday, December 11.
Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, the brothers argued that they fear arrest upon landing in India. They claimed they are being targeted in a “witch-hunt” and said the real culpability lay with the local managers, who have already been arrested. According to the duo, they were only license holders of Birch by Romeo Lane, the club where the deadly blaze occurred.
Officials earlier confirmed that Saurabh and Gaurav fled to Phuket, Thailand, on an IndiGo flight at 5:30 am on Sunday barely six hours after the midnight fire. The Goa police discovered this after failing to locate them at their Delhi residence. A lookout notice had already been issued by Sunday evening. Authorities say the brothers’ swift departure indicates an attempt to evade investigation.
Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai authorities to track their exact location in Phuket. Officials are confident about bringing them back soon, citing past successful deportations from Bangkok and cooperation between the two countries in criminal cases.
Meanwhile, questions continue to mount over alleged violations of fire safety norms at the club. Families of the victims are demanding swift justice, while Goa police maintain that all responsible parties will be held accountable. As the legal battle unfolds across international borders, the fate of the Luthra brothers now hinges on the court’s response and the outcome of diplomatic efforts to secure their return.
