In the vibrant yet perilous world of nightlife, few names have risen as swiftly as Saurabh Luthra's—until tragedy struck. The Delhi-based entrepreneur, once hailed as a "gold medalist engineer turned fastest-growing
restaurateur," is now under intense scrutiny after a devastating fire at his Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, claimed 25 lives on December 6, 2025. As FIRs mount and a lookout notice is issued against him and his brother Gaurav, questions swirl about Luthra's meteoric rise, his sprawling hospitality empire, and his elusive net worth.The Night That Turned Deadly: From Party Paradise to InfernoWhat began as a pulsating Saturday night at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa—a chic, island-themed venue surrounded by backwaters—ended in horror. Blasting music, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor gave way to chaos when a blaze erupted around midnight, reportedly triggered by celebratory fireworks during a performance.Thick smoke quickly filled the single-story structure, trapping patrons due to narrow exits and inadequate fire safety measures. Most of the 25 victims—tourists and staff—died of suffocation, while six others were injured.The club’s remote riverside location worsened the crisis. Fire trucks were forced to park nearly 400 metres away on narrow lanes, delaying rescue operations.An average night at Birch drew crowds with bills around Rs 3,600 per table, attracted by its eco-luxe vibe. However, investigations revealed the venue was illegally built on eco-sensitive CRZ land without proper permissions. There were no sprinklers, fire alarms, or smoke vents.Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condemned the tragedy as “grave negligence” and ordered a magisterial probe.Who Is Saurabh Luthra? From Tech Whiz to Hospitality MogulBorn in Delhi, Saurabh Luthra built a reputation as a self-made entrepreneur. A B.Tech graduate from Saurashtra University, he earned a gold medal in Software Engineering. He then spent nearly a decade in the corporate sector as a Business Development Manager, handling clients in the U.S. and U.K.In 2016, he shifted gears and founded Romeo Lane, an upscale restaurant-bar in New Delhi. The single outlet quickly grew into a global brand known for its design-focused spaces and curated cocktails.Today, as Chairman of Romeo Lane, Birch by Romeo Lane, Mama’s Buoi, and Being GS Pvt Ltd, Luthra’s portfolio spans 22 cities across India and four countries. His ventures have been featured in Forbes India and have won multiple F&B awards since 2016.Despite his soaring public profile, insiders describe him as aloof—rarely visiting outlets and often embroiled in disputes. His Goa project itself had faced panchayat conflicts in 2024 over construction norms. He also reportedly has no links with local tourism associations like TTAG.Net Worth: A Shadowy Fortune Built on Bars and AmbitionExact numbers remain unclear as Luthra is not listed on any billionaire rankings nor tied to public filings. However, Romeo Lane’s aggressive expansion—with goals of 50 outlets—suggests a valuation in the hundreds of crores.Industry watchers estimate:
- Annual revenues: Rs 200–300 crore across chains
- Personal net worth: Rs 150–250 crore (speculative)
- Assets: High-end Delhi homes, luxury cars, and the controversial Goa “island” property
- Education:B.Tech in Software Engineering (Gold Medal), Saurashtra University
- Corporate Stint:10 years as Business Development Manager for US/UK clients
- Entrepreneurial Leap:Founded Romeo Lane in 2016, New Delhi
- Expansion:Operations in 22 Indian cities and 4 countries; includes outlets like Mama’s Buoi and Birch
- Awards:Times Hospitality Icons 2023 — Iconic RestaurateurMultiple F&B awards since 2016
- Estimated Net Worth: Rs 150–250 crore (speculative)
- Post-Fire Status:Absconding; lookout notice issued
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