Goa nightclub owners detained in Thailand after deadly fire
What's the story
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand. 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. A Look-Out Circular and an Interpol Blue Notice were later issued against them.
Deportation process
Goa Police to bring detained nightclub owners back
Reportedly, a team of Goa Police will be sent to Thailand to take custody of the Luthra brothers and bring them back for trial in India. The duo had managed to escape amid a nationwide IndiGo meltdown due to flight cancellations and delays. 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.
Anticipated return
Luthra brothers likely to return to India soon
According to CNN News18, the Luthra brothers were detained on Thursday morning from a hotel in Thailand with local authorities' assistance. They are now at a detention center and their deportation process is underway. Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai counterparts for their return. The report said Indian authorities were constantly tracking the Luthra brothers with help from Thai authorities. They found out that the duo was staying outside the main city area.
Ongoing investigation
Brothers expected to be brought back to India soonÂ
The brothers are expected to be back in India by Thursday evening or Friday morning. Before they were detained, the Goa Police had suspended the passports of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. 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.