Goa Nightclub Owners on the Run After Fire That Killed 25 Have Passports Cancelled

Goa Nightclub Owners’ Passports Cancelled After Fire That Killed 25.

The government on Wednesday cancelled the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Goa nightclub where a fire last week claimed 25 lives. The Delhi-based brothers had fled to Thailand hours after the blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, and the passport revocation prevents further travel and strengthens India’s chances of deportation with Interpol’s help.

The External Affairs Ministry acted on a formal request from the Goa government. Interpol had already issued a Blue Corner Notice against the brothers, who are believed to be hiding in Phuket. Authorities said the Luthras booked their tickets just after news of the fire broke, while rescue operations were still ongoing.

In court, the brothers claimed their travel was pre-planned for professional reasons and sought legal protection to return to India without arrest. The Rohini court denied immediate relief and scheduled their anticipatory bail hearing for Thursday. Goa Police opposed the plea, noting the brothers fled shortly after the tragedy.

The Luthras also cited the demolition of another illegal property in Goa as vindictive action, while authorities maintained it posed similar fire-safety risks as the nightclub. Meanwhile, another accused, Ajay Gupta, was produced before a Delhi magistrate and will be taken to Goa for further questioning. Investigators say more arrests are likely as the case develops.