A legal team representing the Luthra brothers, owners of the Goa nightclub that caught fire last week, reached Bangkok on Monday to extend legal assistance and facilitate the long-pending deportation process,
sources told CNN-News18. The development comes amid coordinated efforts between Indian and Thai authorities to resolve procedural hurdles following the cancellation of the brothers’ Indian passports.
Top sources confirmed that two members of the Luthra brothers’ legal team, who travelled from India, were granted access to meet the detained brothers in Thailand. The meeting, facilitated by Bangkok authorities, lasted approximately 30 minutes. During the interaction, the legal representatives assessed the brothers’ medical condition and enquired about their health, treatment, and overall well-being while in Thai custody.
Sources further revealed that the legal team briefed the Luthra brothers in detail about the deportation procedure, outlining the expected steps and the documentation required for their return to India. The lawyers also provided guidance on the legal formalities that would follow once Indian authorities formally intervene in the matter.
According to sources, Thai authorities were waiting for the Indian official team to arrive at the immigration bureau. The formal legal process is likely to commence after that. Once the Indian officials arrive, an Emergency Travel Certificate, also referred to as an outpass, is expected to be produced to replace the cancelled passports, enabling the deportation process to move forward.
Sources told CNN-News18 that paperwork related to immigration clearance and deportation will be completed once the Indian team coordinates with Thai officials. The presence of the legal team is aimed at ensuring that all procedural requirements are fulfilled smoothly during the final phase of the detention of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra.
Officials familiar with the developments said that the legal team remains hopeful that the deportation could take place as early as today, subject to the timely arrival of Indian authorities and completion of documentation. Thai authorities, sources added, have extended cooperation by facilitating legal access and expediting administrative processes.
The Luthra brothers were detained by Thai authorities after losing their legal immigration status following the cancellation of their Indian passports. Under Thai law, deportation cannot proceed without valid travel documents issued by the country of origin. Sources emphasised that the current developments signal a critical breakthrough in resolving the impasse, bringing the deportation process closer to conclusion.
