PANAJI
In an alleged attempt to dodge arrest after the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, partner Ajay Gupta tried to slip out of police reach by checking himself into a Delhi hospital, claiming a spinal injury -- a move police say was pre-planned to stall his arrest.
Gupta was detained late on Tuesday night at the Institute of Brain & Spine hospital in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, where he had checked himself in after learning that he was being searched for in connection with the tragedy. Police sources told The Goan that the move was intended to delay his arrest and seek legal cover.
“The Goa Police team has been camping in Delhi since the day of the incident in Goa to arrest all the accused involved. While the Luthra brothers - Saurabh and Gaurav - fled to Thailand soon after the incident, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against them. An LOC was also issued against Gupta on December 8, as we feared he would also flee the country,” the source said adding that Gupta frequently changed his locations between Gurgaon and Delhi.
Police conducted raids at all his properties but failed to trace him, only to later discover that he had taken admission to the Lajpat Nagar hospital claiming a spinal ailment. “The timing of the hospital admission raised suspicion, as it coincided with intensified search operations,” the officer said.
On December 9, the Goa Police team, in assistance with the Delhi police reached the hospital and detained Gupta from his hospital bed. He was formally arrested this morning and produced for medical examination post-arrest.
Police said Gupta will now be produced before a Delhi court for transit remand, following which he will be brought to Goa on a fast-track basis to face further investigation in the case.
The Birch nightclub fire has triggered widespread outrage over violations of fire safety norms and culpable negligence which led to the fatality. The police are also facing criticism for delaying action which allowed Luthra brothers to escape to Thailand soon after the incident. The department has denied allegation stating all their processes were quick while they were also present at the site for rescue operation.
