Thai authorities on Tuesday deported Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra to India in connection with a deadly fire at a Goa nightclub earlier this month that claimed 25 lives. The two brothers were sent from Bangkok to Delhi, where they will be handed over to Indian authorities and produced before a court for further legal proceedings.
According to official sources, the brothers boarded a flight from Bangkok under police escort. After arriving in Delhi, they are expected to face questioning and court hearings related to the case. Indian investigators have registered charges of culpable homicide and negligence against them.
Videos shared on social media showed Gaurav Luthra, 44, and Saurabh Luthra, 40, being escorted by Thai police at Bangkok airport shortly before their departure. The deportation followed their detention in Phuket on December 11. Their arrest came after the Indian mission in Thailand requested help from the Thai government and remained in close contact throughout the process.
The Luthra brothers are co-owners of the nightclub “Birch by Romeo Lane,” located in Arpora, North Goa. The massive fire broke out on December 6 and led to widespread public anger across India. The tragedy raised serious concerns about alleged safety violations, poor fire prevention measures, and lapses by the nightclub’s management.
Reports said the brothers had traveled to Thailand soon after the fire. At the time of the incident, they were reportedly attending a wedding in Delhi. Following their departure from India, law enforcement agencies issued an Interpol Blue Corner Notice to locate them and track their movements abroad.
The Indian government later canceled their passports and submitted a detailed dossier to Thai authorities. The document alleged their involvement in the case and formally requested their deportation. India and Thailand have an Extradition Treaty, signed in 2013 and in force since 2015, which helped speed up the legal process.
Meanwhile, the Goa Police have arrested five managers and staff members of the nightclub in connection with the fire. The investigation is still ongoing, and more arrests are possible as authorities examine safety records and management decisions.
In a related development, the Bombay High Court on Monday converted a civil lawsuit against the nightclub into a Public Interest Litigation. The court observed that accountability must be fixed, stressing that such a tragedy cannot be ignored. The case continues to draw national attention as families of the victims seek justice.
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