PANAJI: The investigation into the devastating Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Arpora, which killed 25 people, has intensified with the Goa Police identifying two more accused, co-owners Ajay Gupta and Surindar Kumar Khosla, and issuing Lookout Circulars, LOCs, against them. The police are simultaneously pursuing the club’s main owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, all of whom are currently absconding.
Addressing the press today, DIGP Varsha Sharma said investigators, with support from central agencies, are tracing the financial trails of the accused partners. “We have issued LOCs and arrest warrants against Gupta and Khosla. Along with the Luthra brothers, they were not in Goa at the time of the incident, and we are coordinating with CBI and INTERPOL to bring them back,” she said.
Teams have been dispatched across several states to trace the remaining accused. “All partners of Birch by Romeo Lane are on the run, and we are pursuing them vigorously,” Sharma stated.
Five members of the club’s management have already been arrested. “These were operational managers handling day-to-day activities, electrical systems, and higher execution tasks. Their roles were foundational, but the investigation will determine the exact acts of all accused,” she added.
On the involvement of suspended officials, Sharma confirmed that the then Director of Panchayat, Siddhi Tushar Halarnkar, and former GSPCB Member, Secretary Shamila Monteiro, have joined the investigation. “Statements are being recorded, and any person whose role emerges will be called for questioning.”
She further confirmed that multiple LOCs and Blue Corner Notices have been issued. “Some accused fled India within hours of the fire, likely around 5.30 am, and efforts to locate them have been ongoing despite attempts to evade detection.”
The probe is also looking into earlier complaints against the bar, operational violations, and the role of property owners, including a British national linked to the premises. “Financial travel details are being sought, and institutions are assisting us in the process,” Sharma said.
She added that inquiries will continue across other hotels as well, noting the police are committed to ensuring accountability, even as Goa remains in festival mode.
Meanwhile, after issuing a Blue Corner Notice, the Goa Police have now sought a Red Corner Notice for the arrest and extradition of the Luthra brothers. The Delhi Passport Office has also issued notices for impounding their passports; they have seven days to respond or face cancellation.
In parallel, Arpora Sarpanch Roshan Redkar has been interrogated, and all documents and registers related to Survey No. 150/0 have been seized from the panchayat office. Multiple police teams have been formed to collect documents from different government departments related to the club in Arpora.
