Luthra Brothers Told Court They Feared ‘Lynching in Goa’ as Bail Plea Rejected in Arpora Fire Case

The Luthra brothers — Gaurav (44) and Saurabh (40) — told a Delhi court they feared being “lynched in Goa” if they returned to India, even as Goa Police charged them with murder and related offences over the nightclub blaze that killed 25 people at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora last Saturday.

Their anticipatory bail plea was dismissed on Thursday by Rohini additional sessions judge Vandana, who said the allegations were “grave and serious.” The brothers, detained in Thailand after fleeing hours after the fire, are expected to be deported soon.

Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, the duo sought four weeks’ transit anticipatory bail, arguing that they faced imminent threats to their safety and only wanted protection long enough to move a formal bail plea before a Goa court. They also pointed to the post-fire demolition of their other properties in Goa as evidence they could be treated unfairly.

“There is a direct threat to my safety. I will be lynched in Goa… We will join the investigation… I shall be prosecuted but not persecuted,” their counsel argued.

Judge flags concealment of Thailand escape details

The court observed that their Phuket tickets were booked at 1.17 am on December 7, with the flight departing at 5.20 am — contradicting their claim that they had left before the fire. The blaze began shortly before midnight.

The court also noted that the club’s licence agreement, trade licence and lease deed had expired, and rejected medical grounds cited for Gaurav Luthra. The documents, the judge said, were “old” and did not show any serious condition justifying interim relief.

Rejecting the argument about an “immediate threat,” the judge said lawful actions by investigators or courts cannot be construed as threats to life, and found no grounds to suspend the lookout circular or grant transit bail. The brothers were told they may approach a competent court in Goa.

Goa continues crackdown after tragedy

Goa government counsel told the Delhi court, “They left, they concealed, and they are now seeking leniency,” stressing that those attempting to evade law should not be aided.

In Goa, authorities widened their action against illegalities in tourist establishments, sealing a Vagator nightclub — unrelated to the Luthras — for operating on agricultural land. The state has also banned fireworks, flame effects, smoke machines and similar devices inside nightlife venues, after fireworks were blamed for triggering the Birch fire.

Goa Police said the Luthras face charges including causing injury leading to death, manslaughter and murder, alleging they organised a fire show without safety measures or fire equipment.

Deportation from Thailand imminent

Officials said deportation proceedings have begun, and a joint team of Goa Police and the CBI will bring the brothers back to India after exit formalities. Images of the detained duo in handcuffs circulated on social media shortly after news of their detention broke.

Union minister Shripad Naik confirmed their arrest, asking why they fled after such a major tragedy. Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said they would be brought back “as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, a Goa court remanded Ajay Gupta, a partner in the club, to seven days’ police custody. Gupta told reporters he was a “sleeping partner” with no operational role. Five managers and staff members have also been arrested.