First pictures of Luthra brothers in Thai police's custody surface
What's the story
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the co-owners or licensees of a nightclub in Goa where a devastating fire killed 25 people, were detained in Thailand on Thursday. The duo was apprehended by local police in Phuket and are currently being held at detention centers. In two separate images, they can be seen with their hands tied and holding their passports while standing close to local police officers. Indian authorities are now working with Thai officials to expedite their return to India.
Deportation process
Indian authorities coordinate with Thai officials for Luthra's return
The duo was found outside Phuket's main city area. Raids were conducted in coordination with local police, leading to their detention. The immigration process is now underway, which will see them being flown back to India by late evening or tomorrow morning. The brothers are expected to be brought back in India by Thursday evening or Friday morning, per reports.
Twitter Post
Pictures of the brothers in custody
Owners of #Goa #Nightclub #LuthraBrothers detained in #Thailand pic.twitter.com/wLIOdsqGKl
— Karan Singh (@Journo_Karan) December 11, 2025
Legal actions
Luthra brothers' passports suspended, Interpol notice issued
Before their detention, the Goa Police had suspended the Luthra brothers' passports and sought an Interpol Blue Corner Notice against them. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that under Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967, a passport can be suspended by the Union government or an authorized official. This effectively blocks any further international travel for those involved.
Bail plea
Luthra brothers seek anticipatory bail, denied by court
The Luthra brothers had sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail from a Delhi court. They argued that they are licensees and not actual owners of the building where the club was located. However, their plea was rejected. The duo had claimed during the hearing that "We're also victims." Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the club and associate of the brothers, has been arrested by Goa Police. He claimed to be a "sleeping partner" with no knowledge of day-to-day operations.
Arrests made
Goa Police arrest club owner, Luthra brothers' associate
The brothers fled to Thailand on an IndiGo flight from Delhi just hours after a devastating fire at their establishment killed 25 people on Saturday. Their suspicious escape was discovered after police learned that they booked tickets at 1:17am on December 7, possibly while firefighters were still battling the blaze at their nightclub. The duo had managed to escape amid a nationwide IndiGo meltdown due to flight cancellations and delays.