Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Dec 12: The probe into the fatal fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub has intensified, with Goa Police confirming on Friday that more than 50 statements have been recorded so far, even as authorities await the deportation of club owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra from Thailand.

The Luthra brothers, detained by Thai officials on Thursday, are currently lodged at a Bangkok detention facility. A team of CBI and Goa Police officers is preparing to travel to Thailand to secure their custody. “Deportation procedures are in progress, with continuous coordination with central agencies,” the police said.

Officials, staff members and victims have been examined as part of the ongoing investigation, which will continue with further witness statements and the collection of technical and forensic evidence in the coming days. Among those questioned are two suspended officers — Shamila Monteiro, then Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and Siddhi Halarnkar, then Director of Panchayat.

Meanwhile, the Mapusa Sessions Court has issued notices on anticipatory bail pleas submitted by Arpora panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar and suspended secretary Raghuvir Bagkar, who fear imminent arrest. The police sought additional time to file a detailed reply, which the court extended until December 16 at 2:30 pm.

Police have already arrested six individuals linked to the nightclub, including Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a silent partner and investor, along with senior staff members — chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and staffer Bharat Kohli.

The custody of accused Bharat Kohli has been extended by six days to facilitate further investigation as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.