PANAJI
More than 50 statements have been recorded so far in the investigation into the fatal fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, even as authorities await the deportation of club owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra from Thailand. Both were detained by Thai officials on Thursday and kept in Bangkok detention facility. CBI and Goa police officials are soon to travel to Thailand to get their custody.
Goa police on Friday said officials, staff and victims have been examined as part of the ongoing probe. “Deportation procedures for the Luthra brothers are in progress, with continuous coordination with central agencies,” the update stated.
Police said recording of additional statements and collection of technical and forensic evidence will continue over the next few days. Among the 50 statements including the two suspended officers - Shamila Monteiro (then Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board) and Siddhi Halarnkar (then director of panchayat).
Meanwhile, the Mapusa Sessions Court has issued notices on anticipatory bail applications filed by Arpora panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar and suspended secretary Raghuvir Bagkar, who approached the court fearing arrest. The police sought time to file a detailed reply, which the court allowed until December 16 at 2:30 pm.
Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a silent partner and investor in the nightclub, and five managers and staff members chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and Bharat Kohli - have been arrested and undergoing interrogation. The police custody of accused Bharat Kohli has been extended by six days for further investigation.
