Goa Police have told a Delhi court that Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the fire-hit nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, exercised complete control over the functioning of the establishment, including safety arrangements and event permissions.
The submission was made while seeking transit remand for the Luthra brothers, who were arrested after being deported from Thailand. The duo was brought to India on Tuesday and flown to Goa on Wednesday morning after a Delhi court granted a 48-hour transit remand.
At least 25 people were killed and six others injured in the massive fire that broke out at the nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, on December 6. According to investigators, the brothers allegedly fled to Thailand even as emergency services were battling the blaze at the venue.
An FIR was registered against the accused under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering life and negligent handling of fire or combustible material.
During the remand hearing at the Patiala House Court, the Goa Police said the fire erupted after a fireworks event was organised inside the club without adequate safety measures or firefighting equipment. The custodial presence of the accused in Goa was necessary, police said, as the investigation is at a critical stage.
Investigators told the court that key documents, including licences, event approvals and internal communications, are yet to be recovered. Police also said the conspiracy behind the incident remains under investigation and alleged that the accused had absconded abroad after the tragedy.
After examining the FIR, arrest memos and case diary, Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Chawla allowed the transit remand for 48 hours. The court noted that sufficient material exists at this stage indicating the involvement of the accused and said further proceedings would be conducted by the competent court in Goa.
Police further stated that the fire exposed serious violations of safety norms. While initial reports suggested a possible cylinder blast, eyewitness accounts pointed to the use of cold pyrotechnic devices during a dance performance. According to witnesses, sparks from the devices came into contact with the club&rsquo;s bamboo and fibre roof, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Eyewitnesses claimed that nearly 200 people were present inside the club at the time of the incident, raising serious concerns over crowd management and enforcement of safety regulations.

Police tell Delhi court owners ran club operations, safety and events

Goa Club Fire: Luthra Brothers Had Full Control

Police tell Delhi court owners ran club operations, safety and events

December 17, 2025 | 12:26 IST