Goa Police presented Ajay Gupta, the sixth accused in the tragic Goa nightclub fire, in a local court on Thursday. Gupta, one of the four owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, was arrested in Delhi and brought to Goa following a 36-hour transit remand granted by Delhi's Saket Court. The devastating blaze, which broke out late on December 6 at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane,’ claimed 25 lives, including five tourists and 20 staff members.

In a related development, the Luthra brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, also linked to the nightclub, were apprehended in Thailand and are expected to be deported to India shortly. India and Thailand have had an Extradition Treaty since 2013, allowing for the extradition of fugitive offenders, including those accused of financial crimes. An agreement for the transfer of sentenced persons has also been in place since 2012.

According to Goa Police, the brothers were booked on December 7 for fleeing the country while authorities were managing the fire and rescuing trapped guests. Interpol had issued a Blue Corner Notice against them, which led to their arrest in Thailand. The Luthras, who also own the restaurant associated with the nightclub, had previously been subject to Non-Bailable Warrants issued by a Goa court. Delhi Police informed the Rohini Court that the brothers left India soon after the tragedy.

While opposing their plea for protection, the State argued that the brothers were deliberately evading investigation. The accused claimed, through their lawyers, that they traveled to Thailand for work purposes and now wish to return but feared custodial action. Their lawyers requested temporary transit protection to approach the competent court in Goa. The Rohini Court questioned the maintainability of the anticipatory bail application, as the applicants were not within its territorial jurisdiction.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the inquiry report will be ready within eight days. Meanwhile, the state has begun compensating victims’ families and intensified safety audits and enforcement at entertainment venues. Authorities have also demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa.