In a dramatic turn following the deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub that killed 25 people, Goa Police have detained co-owner Ajay Gupta in Delhi, while the prominent Luthra brothers remain on the run abroad. The inferno, which erupted late on December 6 from suspected unauthorized indoor fireworks, has exposed glaring safety lapses in Goas vibrant nightlife scene, prompting swift government action including property demolitions.​

Gupta, one of four listed owners, was tracked down after a Look Out Circular and now faces transit to Goa for questioning on missing fire safety clearances—he joins five staff members already arrested. Meanwhile, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who built a pub empire from Delhi to Goa in under a decade, fled to Phuket shortly after the tragedy, prompting an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and passport cancellations. Raids on their Gurgaon properties turned up empty, with their phones switched off.​

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a special investigation team to probe licenses and potential corruption, alongside razing another Luthra-owned shack in Vagator for illegal construction. This incident echoes past tragedies like Mumbais rooftop fires, where poor exits and fireworks proved fatal, raising calls for nationwide audits on sprinklers, emergency protocols, and no-objection certificates.​ As the death toll stands at 25—mostly staff and a few tourists—authorities urge nightclub operators to prioritize safety over spectacle. Revelers are advised to verify venue credentials before hitting Goas party strip, ensuring the fun doesnt turn tragic. Updates expected as the probe unfolds.​​

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Economic Times.