Goa nightclub co-owner Ajay Gupta detained in Delhi
What's the story
Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, was detained on Tuesday. The arrest came four days after a devastating fire at the establishment killed 25 people. Gupta was apprehended in Delhi after a Look-Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him. According to PTI, a spokesperson for the Goa Police confirmed the development, saying, "We have detained Ajay Gupta... He is the sixth person to be held in connection with the case."
Ongoing investigation
Five others arrested in connection with nightclub fire
Gupta's detention comes after five other people were arrested in connection with the case. Those arrested include chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli. Another co-owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, is still at large, even as a Look-Out Circular has been issued against him.
Escape to Phuket
Luthra brothers flee to Thailand after nightclub fire
The two other co-owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have fled to Phuket, Thailand. A Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them. The Luthra brothers left for Phuket from Delhi just hours after the fire erupted at their nightclub at Arpora beach. Despite being on the run, Saurabh Luthra took to Instagram to write, "The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch."
Unlawful structure
Authorities discover illegal construction at another Romeo Lane property
After the fire incident, authorities discovered that another Romeo Lane property at Vagator beach had violated fire and safety norms. It was also found to be illegally constructed on government land. Following these revelations, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered the demolition of this property on Tuesday. "We will demolish the encroachment on the beach side. The total area to be demolished is 198 square meters...", said Dhiraj Wagale, Deputy Director, Goa Tourism, according to ANI.