In a significant development concerning the tragic Goa nightclub fire, the primary accused, brothers Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, have reportedly fled the country. The duo, identified as the owners of the establishment, departed from Mumbai on an IndiGo flight bound for Phuket, Thailand. This revelation has prompted the Goa Police to seek immediate assistance from Interpol, facilitated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to trace and apprehend the absconders. The incident has cast a dark shadow over safety regulations in Goa's vibrant nightlife sector.
The Devastating Nightclub Blaze
The horrific incident occurred on Saturday, December 6, at 'Birch by Romeo Lane,' a popular nightclub in Goa. A fierce fire broke out around midnight, quickly engulfing the premises and leading to the tragic deaths of 25 individuals, while according to police reports, all deceased victims have undergone post-mortem examinations, and their bodies have been handed over to their respective families. The devastating scale of the tragedy sent shockwaves across the region,. Intensifying public demand for swift and decisive action against those responsible.
Accused's Swift Escape
Information gathered indicates that Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra executed a pre-planned escape on the very day the devastating fire occurred. Details from the Bureau of Immigration reveal that both owners of the bar, immediately after the fire, departed from Mumbai for Phuket on IndiGo flight 6E 1073 at 05:30 AM on December 7, while this rapid departure suggests a deliberate attempt to evade legal proceedings and accountability for the tragic loss of life and property. The timing of their flight, just hours after the incident, raises serious questions about their intentions.
Initial Police Response and Look Out Circular
Following the registration of the First Information Report (FIR), the Goa Police promptly. Dispatched a team to the Delhi residence of the accused, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. Upon raiding their home, the police found both brothers absent, while consequently, the Goa Police affixed a notice to their residence, urging them to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. A Look Out Circular (LOC) was also issued against them. On December 7, intended to prevent them from leaving the country. However, investigations later confirmed that by 5:30 AM on December 7, the brothers. Had already boarded their flight from Mumbai to Phuket, effectively circumventing the LOC.
Clear Intent to Evade Investigation
Police officials have stated that the accused's immediate departure from the country after the incident clearly demonstrates their intention to evade the ongoing investigation, while the fire broke out around midnight, and within a few hours, in the early morning, they had left the country. This swift action appears to be a calculated strategy to escape the clutches of the law, while such rapid flight is often observed in criminal cases where individuals attempt to avoid arrest and interrogation, highlighting a potential admission of culpability or at least a desire to avoid facing the consequences.
Seeking International Cooperation
Upon learning of the brothers' escape abroad, the Goa Police immediately contacted the Mumbai Immigration Bureau. Subsequently, they've coordinated with the Interpol Division of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Through the CBI, assistance has been sought from Interpol to trace the location of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra and facilitate their swift apprehension and extradition back to India. Interpol, as an international police organization, assists member countries in criminal. Investigations, and this collaboration is crucial for bringing the absconders to justice. The process for international cooperation has now been initiated.
Arrest of Another Accused
In a related development, the Goa Police have arrested Bharat Kohli, a manager at the nightclub, from Delhi. Kohli has been brought to Goa on transit remand, where he's currently undergoing intensive interrogation regarding the entire incident and the escape of the Luthra brothers. His arrest is expected to provide crucial leads in the investigation, shedding more light on the cause of the fire and the role of the Luthra brothers. Police believe that information obtained from Bharat Kohli could Importantly aid in locating the absconding owners.
