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A tragic fire at a Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives, including staff and tourists. The club, owned by Delhi-based Luthra brothers Saurabh and Gaurav was found violating fire safety norms. Both owners fled to Thailand within hours of the incident.
Luthra Brothers Blamed for the Goa Nightclub Inferno
Panaji: A horrific accident occurred late Saturday night in the Arpora area of Goa when a fire suddenly broke out in a nightclub. 25 people tragically died in the incident, including 20 employees and some tourists. Panic ensued in the nightclub as soon as the fire started, and many people were unable to escape due to the smoke and intense flames.
Police have arrested five people, including the club manager, while a case has been registered against the club owners under serious charges.
Immediately after the incident, which shook the entire country, the club owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, fled the country. The two brothers took an IndiGo flight from Delhi at 5:30 AM on Sunday and reached Phuket, Thailand. This was the same time when the Goa Police were busy trying to control the fire and identify the deceased. Officials say that the two owners had planned their escape in advance.
Goa Fire Tragedy: Dance floor in flames; Terrifying Goa nightclub fire video
At the request of the Goa Police, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has issued a lookout circular against the two brothers. The Goa Police have also contacted the Interpol division of the CBI to apprehend the two accused as soon as possible. Officials said that this is a case of gross negligence, violation of safety standards, and disregard for human life, and the accused cannot be allowed to roam free.
Saurabh (40) and Gaurav (44) Luthra, residents of Delhi, are well-known names in the hospitality industry. Saurabh's LinkedIn profile states that he is the chairman of popular brands like Romeo Lane, Birch, and Mamas Buo.
He left engineering and started the Romeo Lane brand in 2016, expanding it to 22 cities in India and 4 other countries. Pictures of the brothers' luxurious lifestyle and their bars and restaurants are widely circulated on social media.
According to media reports, there was also a third partner in the business, who is also being sought. Forbes India had featured him as 'The Changing Face of Nightlife Culture'
Saurabh Luthra was recently featured by Forbes India as a personality who is transforming the nightlife and dining culture. Saurabh had proudly shared this on social media. Now, the same brand is in the news due to a major accident and gross negligence.
Major action in Goa fire case; Nightclub owner arrested, 3 cases filed
A fire broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane club at 12 AM on Saturday night. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by fireworks and that the club lacked the necessary safety measures to prevent fires.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that the club had not followed fire safety regulations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
