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Delhi court on Thursday denied the anticipatory bail plea to the Luthra brothers - the Goa nightclub owners facing culpable homicide charges in the tragic
fire that killed 25 people last week - who are currently detained in Thailand awaiting deportation to India. The blaze at the nightclub in Arpora, Goa, on December 6 killed 25 people, including tourists and staff. Initial investigations have pointed to severe safety lapses at the venue.
What’s Next For Goa Nightclub Owners Detained In Thailand
Luthra brothers -- the accused on Wednesday sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail so that they are not immediately arrested after their return to Delhi from Thailand.
Earlier in the day, the Rohini district and sessions court in Delhi refused to grant interim protection from arrest to the Luthra brothers, meaning they could be taken into custody once they return to India. The court’s refusal comes amid strong opposition from the Goa Police, which argued that the accused attempted to evade the legal process after a deadly fire broke out at their Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub.
Also Read: Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers’ Passports Suspended — Why It Matters
Notably, the Luthra brothers were detained by Thai police in Phuket on the basis of a Blue Corner Notice issued through Interpol at the request of Indian authorities. Local police teams from Goa are reportedly coordinating with Thai counterparts to secure their deportation to India so they can face questioning and legal proceedings.
Their passports have also been suspended by the Indian government, effectively preventing them from travelling further while legal action continues.
In 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.
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.
