PANAJI
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa, has permitted Ajay Gupta, co-owner of Birch by Romeo Lane and one of the accused in the nightclub fire case, to travel outside Goa, observing that he had made out a case for the relief sought in view of his business commitments, medical needs and family circumstances.
Gupta was arrested on December 18, 2025, in connection with the case and was later granted regular bail on February 6, 2026, subject to condition that he would not leave Goa without prior permission of the trial court.
In his application before the court, Gupta submitted that he is a permanent resident of Gurugram, Haryana, where his wife and two children reside, and that his regular business operations are based in the Delhi NCR/Gurugram region, requiring his presence there for his livelihood. He also informed the court that he had undergone lower back surgery in March 2025 and wished to undergo a medical follow-up in Delhi.
The application further stated that Gupta’s father-in-law had been diagnosed with a heart blockage after an angiography in Gurugram, and required medical procedures for which his presence was necessary as an attendant and decision-maker. The applicant produced medical records in support of this claim.
The Mapusa police did not oppose the application, stating that since being released on bail, Gupta cooperated with the investigation and complied with all directions issued by the investigating officer.
Allowing the application, Judicial Magistrate Sunita Gaunekar observed the applicant had made out a case for permission to travel.
“The ground mentioned by the Applicant, in my view, are valid grounds for allowing him to travel to Delhi NCR and out of the State of Goa for a limited period from 10.07.2026 to 19.07.2026,” reads the order.
As per directions, Gupta had to furnish his complete travel itinerary, flight tickets, residential details, contact numbers and passport and visa details, if applicable, to the IO before departure. He was also directed to intimate the IO about his return on July 20, file a compliance report within seven days of his return, keep his mobile phone and email operational throughout the journey, and refrain from influencing witnesses or engaging in any activity prejudicial to the pending criminal case.
