Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers’ Passports Suspended — Why It Matters

Goa Police have suspended the passports of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the principal owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, where a December 6 fire claimed 25 lives, sources told Times Now. The Ministry

of External Affairs has received a request from the Goa government regarding the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. The move is significant, as it prevents the duo from travelling further from Phuket and, officials say, strengthens India’s chances of securing their deportation through diplomatic channels with Interpol’s assistance.The Luthra brothers fled the country just hours after the incident took place, taking an early morning IndiGo flight to Thailand. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has already been issued against the Luthra brothers. On Wednesday, a Delhi court refused to grant them interim protection from arrest, even as one of their partners was detained in connection with the nightclub fire.

Goa Inferno ProbeBREAKING || Crackdown on the Luthra brothersTop sources to TIMES NOW: Luthras' passport suspended.@RakeshKTrivedi & @prathibhatweets with more details. pic.twitter.com/K5gmz9DE6H

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 11, 2025

Also Read: Can Goa Nightclub Owners Be Extradited From Phuket? What India-Thailand Treaty SaysIn court, the Luthras’ lawyer denied claims that they had fled the country, insisting they had travelled for a business meeting. He also argued that the brothers were merely licensees and not the actual owners of the nightclub. They had sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail to ensure they would not be arrested upon returning from Thailand—relief the court declined to grant.The court has now scheduled their transit anticipatory bail plea for hearing on Thursday. Additional Sessions Judge Vandana has sought a response from Goa authorities before the next hearing.Meanwhile, Goa Police have already arrested five managers and staff members linked to the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, where the devastating fire occurred.