From celebrated restaurateurs to fugitives, the Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav, are now at the center of a tragic turn of events following a devastating fire at their Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane. The blaze, which erupted late Saturday night in Arpora, a village approximately 25 kilometers from Panaji, claimed the lives of 25 people and left several others injured.
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, originally from Delhi, had established themselves as prominent figures in the food and beverage industry over the past decade. Starting with a café called Mama's Buoi in Delhi's Hudson Lane in 2015, Saurabh expanded the business with the opening of Romeo Lane in 2019. Their success grew, with outlets established in multiple cities, even extending internationally. The brothers garnered media attention, with features in lists of "40 under 40" entrepreneurs, celebrated for their contributions to the hospitality sector. Gaurav Luthra is listed as a founder of Romeo Lane, Birch and Caha on his social media profile.
The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane broke out around 11:45 pm during a crowded Saturday night event, reportedly involving over 150 tourists. Preliminary investigations suggest that electric firecrackers ignited the wooden ceiling, triggering a rapid and deadly inferno. The establishment is under scrutiny for several violations, including the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department. The roof of the establishment was made of thatched bamboo, while the two floors were permanent structures. The lack of fire extinguishers and alarms also contributed to the severity of the tragedy.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Luthra brothers fled India, boarding an IndiGo flight to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 am on Sunday, just hours after the fire. This swift departure has been interpreted by authorities as an attempt to evade investigation. The Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Luthras, along with the manager of the outlet and the event organizer, charging them with culpable homicide.
A team of Goa Police officers dispatched to Delhi to raid the residences of the accused found them deserted. Subsequently, a lookout notice was issued, and the help of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Interpol has been enlisted to trace and apprehend the brothers. A blue corner notice may soon be issued against the Luthra brothers. The CBI's Interpol division is coordinating with Thai authorities to facilitate their extradition.
Authorities are also investigating a third partner, Ajay Gupta, who is currently untraceable. Bharat Kohli, an associate overseeing operations for several of the Luthras' restaurants and clubs, has been arrested and is being questioned about safety lapses.
The tragic incident has prompted widespread grief and condemnation. Saurabh Luthra posted a message on social media expressing grief and solidarity with the families of the deceased and injured. The incident has triggered a large-scale investigation into safety lapses and accountability.
