Goa nightclub fire: Absconding owners' passports suspended
What's the story
The Goa Police have suspended the passports of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub. The move comes after a devastating fire at their establishment on December 6 killed 25 people. The brothers had fled to Thailand immediately after the incident. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), passports can be suspended under Section 10A of the Passports Act 1967 by the Central Government or authorized officers.
Legal proceedings
Luthra brothers' passports suspended amid criminal investigation
The suspension of the Luthra brothers' passports makes them temporarily invalid for international travel. Reactivating them requires legal procedures or conditions to be fulfilled. The next step in this process is likely the cancellation of their passports, sources told NDTV. The brothers are currently facing a widening criminal probe, multiple lookout notices, and an Interpol Blue Corner Notice after their flight to Thailand.
Arrest update
Third owner arrested, Luthra brothers seek bail
They are now seeking four weeks of transit anticipatory bail from a Delhi court to avoid immediate arrest upon returning from Thailand. "I am seeking relief to come back to this country and approach court in goa that does not prejudice them unless they don't want to come....witch hunting is what i am concerned about," their lawyer told the court. Ajay Gupta, a third owner, was arrested on Tuesday. He claimed he was only a "sleeping partner" with the Luthras.
CM's assurance
Goa CM vows to ensure Luthra brothers' arrest
The Rohini court will resume hearing the Luthra brothers' case on Thursday, while the Goa government prepares its response. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has vowed that the Luthra brothers will not escape justice. He told NDTV, "Whether it is Thailand or anywhere else, we will pick them up from there and put them behind bars."