MAPUSA
The District and Sessions Court in Mapusa has rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by Gaurav and Saurav Luthra in connection with an alleged health No Objection Certificate (NOC) forgery case linked to the procurement of liquor licences.
Confirming the development, defence counsel Adv Parag Rao said that the court turned down the pleas, adding that the detailed order is still awaited.
“We are yet to receive the detailed order, so it would be premature to comment on the reasons cited by the court. We were not expecting the applications to be rejected,” Rao stated, indicating that the defence would decide on the next course of action after reviewing the court’s observations.
According to sources, the case pertains to the alleged submission of forged health clearances to secure mandatory permissions for operating establishments serving liquor, raising serious concerns over regulatory violations and public safety compliance.
The Luthra brothers are already in judicial custody in connection with the December 6, 2025 fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, a tragedy that claimed 25 lives and left several others injured.
They were arrested on December 17, 2025, as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident, which had triggered widespread outrage and scrutiny over safety norms and licensing procedures.
Investigators suspect that forged documentation, including health NOCs, may have been used to bypass mandatory checks required for obtaining operational licences.
Officials have indicated that the probe is examining the role of multiple stakeholders, including licensing authorities and private entities, in the alleged irregularities.Police sources said further arrests and charges cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the prosecution is expected to oppose any relief to the accused, citing the gravity of the offences and the broader implications on public safety.
