Who Is Saurabh Luthra? Gold-Medalist Engineer Turned Restaurateur Behind Goa Nightclub That Saw Fire Tragedy

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Arpora, North Goa, where at least 25 people were killed after a blaze broke out late Saturday night. Authorities have

identified the operator of the nightclub as Saurabh Luthra, a Delhi-based entrepreneur behind the Romeo Lane hospitality chain.According to the company's website, Luthra is a gold-medalist engineer who transitioned into the food and beverage industry, where he is described as one of its fastest-growing restaurateurs. The Romeo Lane brand claims presence, operational or upcoming, in 22 cities across four countries, and is known for its public relations-driven branding and specialised cocktail offerings.Luthra has been recognised with multiple industry awards, including the Iconic Restaurateur title at the Times Hospitality Icons 2023, and has led several award-winning restaurant and bar ventures since 2016, the website states.Saurabh Luthra's LinkedIn also mentions "chairman at Romeo Lane | Birch | Mama's Buoi" in the bio. No statement has been released by him so far following the tragic fire.

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Goa nightclub fire: What happened at Birch by Romeo Lane?

Weekend revelry turned into a horrific tragedy as a massive fire tore through a nightclub in North Goa after midnight on Sunday, claiming 25 lives and leaving six people injured. Most of the deaths were caused by suffocation, as the victims got trapped on the ground floor of `Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub at Arpora, 25 km from Panaji, a fire official said.Also Read: Birch Goa Fire: At Least 25 People Killed In Nightclub Fire In North Goa’s Arpora | What We Know So FarThe construction was unauthorised but the demolition notice served to the club had been stayed by a higher authority, claimed a village official, as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant vowed action against officials who allowed it to operate despite the violation of safety norms, PTI reported.The deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identity of the remaining seven was yet to be established, the police said.(With PTI inputs)