PANAJI: The Rohini Court in Delhi has rejected the anticipatory transit bail pleas of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, where a massive fire on December 6 claimed 25 lives.
Additional Sessions Judge Vandana dismissed their applications today, noting that the brothers had fled to Thailand shortly after the incident, triggering an international hunt.
The Luthra brothers are currently detained in Thailand.
Addressing reporters in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said a joint team of the Goa Police and the CBI will travel to Thailand to bring the duo back to India. “Our police are in constant touch with the central agencies. The accused will be brought to Goa soon, and we will ensure they face the maximum punishment under the law,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister added that the brothers were detained with assistance from Thai authorities because “they are the owners of the club.”
Sawant also announced a crackdown on unsafe and illegal establishments across the State's coastal belt. “The government will shut down all clubs where major violations are found. Our teams are inspecting all establishments, and we will demolish structures operating in violation of CRZ norms or those that have encroached on government land,” he said.