A Delhi court on Wednesday declined to grant interim protection to Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Goa nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, where a fire over the weekend claimed at least 25 lives. 
The court has sought a response from the Goa government on the brothers&rsquo; transit anticipatory bail plea and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday, December 11.
Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, the Luthra brothers argued that they require protection to return to India and approach the Goa courts for further legal remedies, as they fear arrest upon landing in Delhi. 
They contended that culpability &ldquo;cannot be attributed to them&rdquo; since local managers have already been arrested and alleged that the state is conducting a &ldquo;witch-hunt,&rdquo; asserting they are only licensees and not owners of the club.
Authorities have traced the brothers to Phuket, Thailand. 
Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai authorities to locate them and secure their deportation based on an existing arrest warrant.&nbsp;
Officials expressed confidence in their return, citing strong cooperation between India and Thailand in criminal cases.
According to officials, the brothers flew to Phuket on an IndiGo flight at 5:30 am on Sunday, approximately six hours after the fire broke out at the North Goa nightclub, where alleged safety violations contributed to the high casualty count. 
Goa Police, unable to find them at their residence in north Delhi, later confirmed their departure through immigration records.
A lookout notice was issued on Sunday evening. 
&ldquo;The Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai was contacted and it was found that both the accused had taken 6E 1073 flight (New Delhi to Phuket) at 5.30am on 7th December i.e. immediately after the incident which had taken place around midnight. It shows their intent to avoid police investigation,&rdquo; deputy superintendent of police and public relations officer Nilesh Rane said.

Delhi court seeks Goa’s stand as Luthras deny role and request transit protection

Court Denies Relief To Goa Club Owners Luthras

Delhi court seeks Goa’s stand as Luthras deny role and request transit protection

December 10, 2025 | 17:02 IST