Luthra brothers taken to Phuket from Bangkok as deportation begins
What's the story
The deportation process of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the co-owners of the "Birch by Romeo Lane" nightclub in Goa, has begun, NDTV reported. The brothers fled India after a deadly fire at their club killed 25 people. They were detained by Thai authorities in Phuket on India's request and are now being transported to Bangkok. Indian officials will take custody of them upon their arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Legal developments
Luthra brothers' legal proceedings and potential charges
After reaching Bangkok, the Luthra brothers may be held at Suan Phlu Immigration Detection Centre for a few days to complete their deportation formalities. An emergency certificate will be issued by the Indian embassy as their passports are suspended. Once back in India, they will face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. They have sought anticipatory bail from a Delhi court, claiming they weren't present during the incident but it has been rejected.
International alert
Interpol issues blue corner notice against Luthra brothers
The Goa Police had sought help from Interpol through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A blue corner notice was issued against the Luthra brothers, declaring them wanted. Their passports were suspended by the regional passport office in Delhi, which facilitated their detention in Thailand. The duo had booked tickets on a Phuket-bound flight on December 7 after the fire incident occurred at their club.
Tragic incident
Deadly fire at Goa nightclub and its aftermath
The tragic incident took place on December 6 during an event attended by more than 100 tourists. The fire is believed to have been caused by electric firecrackers. Many were trapped in the basement after the exit caught fire. The FIR filed by the Goa Police said the upscale restaurant-club hosted a fire show without any safety equipment like extinguishers or alarms and did not conduct a fire audit. Five staff members of Birch have been arrested so far.