NEW DELHI: The proprietors of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub in north Goa where a catastrophic fire claimed the lives of 25 individuals, departed the country mere hours following the incident, as confirmed by police on Monday. This occurred even as one of the owners shared a message online expressing “profound grief” regarding the tragedy. According to Goa Police, shortly after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed, a team was sent to New Delhi to conduct searches at the residences of brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. The homes were found to be locked, a notice was affixed, and inquiries with the Bureau of Immigration indicated that both had taken a 5:30 am flight to Phuket, just a few hours after the fire broke out past midnight, as reported by news agency PTI. A Look Out Circular was issued on December 7, and the police have now requested assistance from the CBI’s Interpol Division to locate and apprehend the two. “Their departure immediately following the incident suggests an intention to avoid investigation,” a senior officer informed PTI.
‘Profoundly grieved,’ states owner online
While police pursued various leads, an Instagram post emerged from owner Saurabh Luthra, in which he stated he was “deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives” and expressed his support for the families of the deceased and injured. In his message, Luthra mentioned that the establishment would provide “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation.” In the meantime, four staff members, including the chief general manager, general manager, bar manager, and gate manager, have been arrested and placed in police custody. FIRs have been lodged against the Luthra brothers, who own the Birch and Romeo Lane chain. The Goa government has mandated a magisterial inquiry, formed a multi-agency committee, and requested a report on procedural shortcomings within one week. Meanwhile, police have completed autopsies and returned all 25 bodies, comprising 20 staff members and five tourists, including four from Delhi, to their respective families.
