In a shocking turn of events, the owners of Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, implicated in a devastating fire that led to 25 fatalities, have reportedly fled to Thailand just hours after the incident. The police have taken steps to locate and apprehend the brothers, while investigations reveal the fire was caused by fireworks.
On Sunday, Indian authorities confirmed that brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra boarded a flight to Phuket soon after the tragic fire outbreak. This swift departure has raised suspicions regarding their intent to evade police investigation.
Victims of the fire predominantly comprised staff members, with four tourists from Delhi among those killed. Five individuals are currently hospitalized, receiving treatment for their injuries.
The police are seeking Interpol’s assistance to find the Luthra brothers, having discovered upon raiding their home in Delhi that they had already left the country. Goa police have expressed that this action indicates a desire to avoid accountability for their role in the incident.
Post-incident, Saurabh Luthra released a statement on social media claiming “profound grief” for the victims' families, without mentioning his location or circumstances. His brother Gaurav has yet to make a public comment.
At least four arrests were made in connection to the incident, including the nightclub manager, as investigations continue into what could have caused the fire. Initial reports suggested an exploding gas canister was at fault, but authorities now believe that the blaze originated from pyrotechnics igniting wooden beams within the venue.
The nightclub, located in a bustling nightlife area of Goa, was crowded with visitors enjoying a performance when the fire erupted. Eyewitness testimonies detail scenes of chaos as patrons struggled to escape.
This incident highlights serious safety concerns in venues catering to large crowds, particularly regarding fire safety measures and emergency protocols.
