Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, have been detained in Thailand and are expected to be deported to India, sources confirmed on Thursday. The brothers are wanted in connection with the tragic nightclub fire on December 6, which claimed 25 lives, including five tourists and 20 staff members.

The Goa Police stated that the Luthras were booked on December 7 for fleeing the country while authorities were engaged in rescue operations. Following a Blue Corner Notice issued by Interpol, Thai authorities apprehended the brothers. India and Thailand have an Extradition Treaty in place since 2013, along with a 2012 agreement on the transfer of sentenced individuals, providing a legal framework for their return.

Meanwhile, Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the nightclub, was brought to Goa on Thursday and taken to the Anjuna Police Station. Gupta had earlier been granted a 36-hour transit remand by Delhi’s Saket Court. Delhi Police informed the Rohini Court that Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra had left India shortly after the tragedy, prompting a Non-Bailable Warrant from a Goa court. The brothers’ lawyers argued that they traveled to Thailand for work purposes and sought brief transit protection to approach the competent court in Goa. The Rohini Court, however, questioned the maintainability of the anticipatory bail applications, noting the applicants were outside its jurisdiction.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the inquiry report will be ready within eight days. Compensation to victims’ families has begun, and the state has intensified safety audits and enforcement at entertainment venues. Additionally, part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator has been demolished by the district administration.