Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers move court for anticipatory bail
What's the story
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have approached Delhi's Rohini Court for anticipatory bail. The move comes after a devastating fire at their establishment killed 25 people on Saturday. A hearing on their petition is scheduled for Wednesday. The brothers reportedly fled to Phuket, Thailand, hours after the incident aboard an IndiGo flight.
Legal proceedings
Investigation intensifies, passports of Luthra brothers sought to be revoked
The Goa Police is now seeking to revoke the passports of the Luthra brothers from their regional passport office in Delhi. The External Affairs Ministry has confirmed that "impounding notices" have been issued against them owing to the seriousness of the case. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued against them by Interpol.
Extradition possibility
Extradition treaty with Thailand could facilitate return of Luthra brothers
India has a 1982 extradition treaty with Thailand for serious offenses, which could be invoked to bring back the Luthra brothers. So far, several employees of Birch by Romeo Lane have been arrested in connection with the case. A third co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was also arrested in Delhi on Tuesday and will be formally charged once he reaches Goa.
Ongoing investigation
Goa Police coordinates with CBI, Interpol for Luthra brothers' return
The Goa Police is working with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Interpol to bring back the fugitive brothers. The police received their first alert about the fire at 12:04am on December 7. When they reached their Delhi residence on Monday, they were already gone. DSP Nilesh Rane said immigration officials confirmed that both had flown to Phuket soon after the incident.
Government response
Goa government takes action against Romeo Lane chain
The Goa government has also taken action against the Romeo Lane chain by sealing two of its properties. A beach shack and another club in Vagator and Assagao have also been sealed. The Vagator property was allegedly partly built on government land and authorities razed a portion of it on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a four-member magisterial probe into the fire incident.