MAPUSA
A Mapusa court on Thursday adjourned the hearing on the bail applications filed by Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, key accused in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire case, and said the order would be pronounced on February 10.
Counsel appearing for the Luthra brothers informed that the order was not ready for pronouncement, following which the matter was deferred to next week.
Responding to reports suggesting that the State government had submitted a scheme before the High Court proposing to compensate the victims and their families by auctioning the properties of the accused, the defence counsel categorically denied the claim.
“We have verified all the orders and there is nothing of that sort. In fact, my clients have not even been served with any such order. We have placed the relevant records before the court,” the counsel said.
The Luthra brothers were arrested on December 17, 2025, in connection with the devastating fire that broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on December 6, claiming the lives of 25 persons and leaving several others injured. They have been in judicial custody for over a month.
The tragedy triggered widespread public outrage across the State and intensified scrutiny of fire safety norms and licensing compliance at nightlife establishments, particularly along the coastal belt. Investigations have pointed to alleged violations of fire safety regulations and lapses in enforcement by multiple authorities.
The case continues to be closely monitored, with further proceedings expected both in the trial court and the High Court in the coming days.
