Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers Detained In Thailand
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Goa nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, were detained by Thai police in Phuket on Thursday.
The brothers had left India after last week’s nightclub fire in Goa that killed 25 people. Thai authorities released photos showing the two handcuffed while in custody. They are expected to be deported soon, with an Indian police team already in Thailand to bring them back.
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The detention took place after the Goa Police, through the Ministry of External Affairs and the CBI, requested Interpol’s help. A Blue Corner Notice was issued against the brothers to trace their location. Officials stated that the notice, which typically takes about a week to process, was expedited within two days due to support from central agencies.
🚨BIG
Luthra brothers Saurabh and Gaurav have been arrested by the Thailand Police. Deportation underway.
The two brothers were linked to the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/LNezwjDigV
— Defence News Of INDIA (@DefenceNewsOfIN) December 11, 2025
India and Thailand have had an extradition treaty in force since 2015, which will help speed up the process. The regional passport office in Delhi has also issued a notice asking the brothers why their passports should not be impounded.
Goa Police had earlier reached Delhi with an arrest warrant and searched the brothers’ homes and offices, but they were not found. Investigators later learned that the two had boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket early Sunday morning, just hours after the fire.
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The nightclub blaze broke out around 11.45 pm on Saturday during an event attended by more than 150 tourists. A preliminary probe found that electric firecrackers hit the wooden ceiling, causing flames to spread quickly.
While many people escaped, several were trapped in the basement when the fire reached the exit route. A lookout notice has also been issued against the property owner, UK national Surinder Kumar Khosla, and partner Ajay Gupta.
(With inputs from India Today)