Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Dec 11: Delhi-based businessman Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the fire-hit ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, has been remanded to seven days of police custody as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the devastating blaze. His counsel, Advocate Rohan Dessai, said Gupta has been cooperating fully, noting that while the police sought 10 days of custody, the court limited it to seven. Dessai added that the ongoing nature of the inquiry prevents him from commenting on Gupta’s precise role.
Gupta, identified as a sleeping partner of owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, was arrested on Wednesday. His arrest brings the total number of people held in connection with the case to six, according to police officials.
The Luthra brothers, who reportedly fled to Phuket soon after the nightclub inferno that killed 25 people, were detained in Thailand earlier on Wednesday. Known for their Romeo Lane restaurant chain across several countries, they are facing charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and serious claims of gross negligence. Indian authorities are preparing a formal deportation request, and their passports have been suspended under Section 10A of the Passports Act, 1967 — a step frequently taken in criminal cases, with cancellation expected to follow. Reports that the brothers could be deported within 24 hours, with Indian officials already en route to Thailand to bring them back.
The fire broke out late Saturday night during a music event with around 100 people present, including many tourists. Videos from the scene show performers on stage as electric firecrackers — suspected to have triggered the blaze — were used during the show. The venue’s extensive flammable décor, lack of functioning fire extinguishers, and absence of an alarm system turned the club into a fatal trap. Rescue operations were severely hampered by a narrow access road that prevented fire engines from reaching the building; they could get no closer than 400 metres.
By the time firefighters managed to contain the blaze, 25 people had lost their lives — five tourists and 20 staff members. Most were found in the basement, having succumbed to intense toxic smoke.