PANAJI
The Enforcement Directorate is carrying out searches in Goa and Delhi after registering a money-laundering case against the promoters of Birch by Romeo Lane, where 25 people were killed, and 50 were injured in a catastrophic fire on December 6, 2025.
Officials said eight premises, including the offices and residences of accused brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra - who owned the nightclub and are currently in judicial custody - are under search under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Other locations associated with individuals suspected of aiding the alleged illegal operations are also being covered.
ED officials confirmed that teams are examining properties linked to the Luthra brothers and Ajay Gupta, described as an investor for the duo, as part of the probe into suspected laundering of proceeds generated through the club’s unauthorised activities.
Raids are underway at 8-9 locations across Delhi and Goa, including Outram Lanes (Kingsway Camp) and Tatvam Villas in Gurugram. Searches are also being conducted at the premises of disqualified Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch Roshan Redkar - who surrendered in court on Thursday and was arrested - and absconding former panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar. Both are alleged to have facilitated illegal trade licences and NOCs.
ED teams are also present at premises linked to Surinder Kumar Khosla to probe suspected laundering arising from the illegal conversion of khazan land on which the nightclub stood.
The raids come at a time when the Goa police are simultaneously investigating criminal and corruption charges against all the accused in the case.
