'We Will Be Lynched': What Luthra Brothers Told Court After Fleeing To Thailand Post Goa Nightclub Fire

A Delhi court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of the Luthra brothers, owners of the Goa nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people last week, even as the duo remains detained in Thailand

awaiting deportation to India. The brothers face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.Arguing before the Rohini court, counsel for the Luthras alleged that the Goa administration was acting out of "punitive vengeance," insisting his clients were being treated as though they "deserved to be lynched."Denying that they fled India after the tragedy, the lawyer said, "They say I fled. According to me, I did not. I had work, and I will prove it." He claimed documents would show the brothers were in Phuket to set up a restaurant "where I'll employ Indians again."Highlighting concerns over their safety, the counsel added, "Do I deserve to be lynched? Is that what the state is constitutionally sworn to? Is this how they should be reacting?"Alleging targeted action by Goa authorities, he said, "There is a direct threat to my safety. I will be lynched in Goa. My other restaurants have been bulldozed straight away… We will join the investigation… I shall be prosecuted but not persecuted."The court, however, declined relief, clearing the way for further action once the brothers are brought back to India."The nature of offence, prima facie, is grave and serious in nature," Additional Sessions Judge Vandana said.

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Also Read:Inside Luthra Brothers Phuket Hideout: Exclusive First Look at Hotel Room Where Goa Nightclub Owners Were Nabbed

Goa Government Steps Up Crackdown

The duo booked their tickets for Phuket through a travel portal at 1.17 am on December 7, within an hour of learning about the devastating fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane', their nightblub at Arpora in North Goa, as per officials. Following this, the Goa Police had approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the issuance of the Blue Corner Notice against them.A Goa Police team is expected to fly to Thailand shortly to take custody and bring them back for trial.According to an eyewitness, the fire started on the dance floor, on which at least 100 people were present. The people, in an attempt to escape, ran downstairs to its kitchen located on the ground floor, where they got trapped along with the staff, Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, said.Most of the deaths were caused by suffocation, as the victims got trapped on the ground floor and in the kitchen, according to a fire brigade official.(With PTI inputs)