Authorities in Goa have launched a coordinated international manhunt after confirming that the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people, fled India within hours of the tragedy. Police have initiated procedures with Interpol to trace and detain the accused, whose abrupt departure has intensified public anger and widened the scope of the investigation.
Deadly Blaze at Popular Goa Nightclub
The fire broke out shortly after midnight on December 7 at the upscale Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub located in Arpora, near the popular Baga beach. The venue was hosting a packed late-night event when a suspected gas-cylinder explosion or indoor pyrotechnics triggered a sudden blaze.
The structure — built largely with bamboo, wood, and other combustible materials — turned into a lethal trap. Officials reported that the club lacked adequate emergency exits, had no functioning fire-safety equipment, and was operating without several mandatory licences. Most of the victims, including employees working in the kitchen and basement, died due to smoke inhalation while attempting to flee through the only usable exit.
Owners Escaped India Within Hours
Investigators have confirmed that club owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra boarded an early-morning flight to Phuket, Thailand, departing from Delhi barely five hours after the blaze. Their sudden exit, before police could question them, is being viewed as a deliberate attempt to evade arrest and responsibility.
A Look-Out Circular has been issued, and Goa Police have requested the Central Bureau of Investigation to work with Interpol for locating and extraditing the accused. Meanwhile, several managerial staff members have already been detained as part of the widening probe.
Safety Violations and Regulatory Failures Under Scrutiny
The government has constituted a four-member magisterial committee to investigate safety lapses, administrative negligence, and the circumstances under which the nightclub was allowed to operate. Preliminary findings suggest the structure stood on an eco-sensitive salt pan and lacked approvals for construction, pollution control, and fire safety.
Officials have also alleged corruption and regulatory oversight failures that allowed the establishment to function for nearly two years without compliance. The tragedy has triggered strong criticism from opposition parties, activists, and Goa residents, who accuse authorities of allowing blatant safety violations in the state’s expanding nightlife sector.
Public Outrage and Demands for Accountability
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with families of victims calling for immediate arrests and systemic reforms. Civil society groups have demanded stricter monitoring of entertainment venues, stronger fire-safety norms, and criminal action against officials who allegedly overlooked violations.
Broader Impact on Tourism and Nightlife Safety
The Goa nightclub fire has raised urgent questions about safety standards in India’s booming hospitality and nightlife industry. The escape of the owners has further intensified the demand for accountability and reform.
As the Interpol search for the Luthra brothers gains momentum, the outcome of the investigation is expected to shape future regulations governing nightclubs, restaurants, and tourist venues across the country.
