Goa Police have initiated efforts to bring back the absconding Luthra brothers. According to reports, the police have sought help from Interpol to bring back the two brothers who fled to Thailand. The police want to issue a Blue Corner Notice against these two accused to facilitate their extradition to India.
Accused defends himself in Goa nightclub fire probe
New Delhi: Goa Police have taken co-owner Ajay Gupta into custody from New Delhi in connection with the Goa nightclub fire. A lookout notice had been issued against him. Ajay Gupta's first statement after his arrest has emerged. Gupta said, "I am just a partner. I don't know anything."
A massive fire at the Birk nightclub on Romeo Lane in Goa claimed the lives of 25 people. Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the nightclub, has placed all the blame for the negligence on the club owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra. The Luthra brothers fled India for Thailand within hours of the fire.
Meanwhile, Goa Police have initiated efforts to bring back the absconding Luthra brothers. According to reports, the police have sought help from Interpol to bring back the two brothers who fled to Thailand. The police want to issue a Blue Corner Notice against these two accused to facilitate their extradition to India.
What has the police investigation revealed so far?
25 people lost their lives in the incident. These included 20 club staff members and five tourists who were the last to leave the club. In its initial investigation, the police stated that the fire might have been caused by a cylinder explosion.
The fire broke out around 11:45 PM. Eyewitness accounts and further investigation suggest that the fire may have been caused by electric firecrackers.
Also read: Odisha: Peace meeting at Malkangiri District Collector's office amid tension; leaders of various parties say government should intervene
What action did the police take?
Following the incident, Goa Police arrested the club's chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur.
An FIR was also registered against the nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, as well as the organizers. Additionally, a nightclub employee, Bharat Kohli, was arrested from Delhi.
Three senior officials of the Goa government have been suspended in connection with the case. These include a panchayat director who played a role in the opening of the nightclub in 2023.
The government has constituted an inquiry panel comprising the South Goa Collector, the Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Director of the Forensic Lab. This panel will submit its report within a week.
