Luthra brothers to be deported from Thailand tomorrow
What's the story
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of North Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, are expected to land in Delhi from Thailand on Tuesday, according to reports. The brothers will be taken into custody by the Goa Police upon their arrival in Delhi. The Thai authorities had detained them on an Interpol Blue Corner Notice issued at the request of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Extradition process
Legal proceedings to follow brothers' return
Upon their arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Goa Police will take custody of the Luthra brothers. They will then be produced before a Delhi court for a transit remand, following which they will be taken to Goa for further investigation. According to India Today, officials stressed that the Goa Police are not heading to Thailand, contrary to some speculation.
Fire incident
Brothers's arrest follows deadly nightclub fire
The Luthra brothers had fled to Phuket after a fire at their nightclub in Arpora, Goa, on December 6, killed 55 people. A Delhi court had earlier denied the brothers interim protection from arrest. During the hearing, their counsel refuted allegations that they had fled the country, claiming that the Thailand trip was for a business meeting. They also claimed that they do not run day-to-day operations of the club as they are managed by the on-ground and restaurant managers.
Diplomatic efforts
Indian and Thai authorities coordinate for brothers' return
Indian government officials are in touch with their Thai counterparts to finalize arrangements for the Luthra brothers' return. The extradition is possible under an extradition treaty between India and Thailand, which has been in effect since 2015. Thai officials have assured that due process will be followed in coordination with Indian authorities for a swift and legal handover of the nightclub owners.