The Luthra brothers approached Rohini district courts seeking transit anticipatory bail.
New Delhi: The noose is tightening around the absconding owners of Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra as a Delhi court declined to grant them interim relief on their plea for anticipatory bail on Wednesday. On a parallel track, Goa Police arrested their associate Ajay Gupta, another partner in the venture, after a city court granted a 36-hour transit remand. Meanwhile, in Panaji, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a sweeping safety crackdown across tourism establishments ahead of the Christmas, New Year rush.
The Luthra brothers approached Rohini district courts seeking transit anticipatory bail. Their pleas came up before Additional Sessions Judge Vandana, who directed Goa Police to file a response and listed the matter for Thursday. Officials said an Interpol Blue Corner Notice remains active against the duo.
Investigators claim the brothers booked tickets to Thailand within an hour of learning about the fire, even as police, fire services and district officials battled the blaze inside the nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, and attempted to rescue staff trapped inside. The brothers have maintained in their petition that they are merely licensees and not the actual owners of the building. Earlier in the day, Ajay Gupta, who identified himself as an investor and silent partner in the club, was detained by Delhi Police’s Crime Branch following a request from Goa Police.
