Goa Nightclub Fire: Owners Flee India After Blaze Kills 25, Interpol Assistance Sought
Authorities say the two brothers who run the upscale venue left for Thailand just hours after the tragedy as investigators probe fireworks used inside the...
Authorities say the two brothers who run the upscale venue left for Thailand just hours after the tragedy as investigators probe fireworks used inside the club.
A Tragedy in Goa's Nightlife District
Indian police say the owners of a luxury nightclub in Goa, where a massive fire killed 25 people early Sunday, left the country within hours of the incident. The blaze tore through Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightlife spot in the coastal tourist state, trapping staff and guests as flames rapidly engulfed the building.
Officials confirmed that brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who oversee the nightclub’s operations, boarded a flight from Delhi to Phuket, Thailand, soon after the fire. Investigators now believe pyrotechnics set off during a performance ignited the club’s wooden interior, sparking a fast-moving inferno.
Most Victims Were Staff; Four Were Visitors From Delhi
Among the 25 who died, the majority were employees working the late-night event, police said. Four victims were holidaymakers from Delhi, and several of those killed were migrant workers seeking seasonal employment in Goa, including four Nepalese nationals. Five survivors remain in hospital with severe injuries.
The tragedy has devastated families across multiple states. Police confirmed the bodies have been returned to relatives, including those of two brothers who had both been preparing for weddings next year.
Police Launch Manhunt for Club Owners
Goa Police Director General Jaspal Singh said investigators conducted a raid at the Luthras’ home in Delhi, only to find they had already departed the country. Authorities have requested assistance from Interpol to locate and detain the men.
In a public statement, Goa Police said the brothers’ sudden exit “indicates an intent to evade investigation,” adding that a formal extradition request may follow if Thailand authorities confirm their presence.
At least four people have been arrested so far, including the club’s manager and event organisers present during the incident.
Nightclub Layout Hampered Rescue Efforts
Witnesses who spoke to the BBC described scenes of chaos as attendees tried to escape the burning structure. The club’s main area, constructed on an island in the middle of a lake and accessible only via narrow walkways, proved a major obstacle for first responders.
Firefighters struggled to reach the centre of the venue, where part of the structure collapsed entirely. Police initially suspected a gas canister explosion, but forensic teams now say pyrotechnics used during a live performance likely ignited flammable ceiling materials.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of fire safety compliance in India's hospitality sector, particularly in tourist hubs where makeshift expansions and wooden décor are common.
Management Responds, But Questions Mount
A statement posted online by Saurabh Luthra, identifying himself as chairman of the company operating the club, expressed “profound grief” and extended condolences to affected families. The message pledged support from “management,” though it made no mention of his departure from India.
His brother, Gaurav Luthra, has not issued any public comment.
Families of the victims, along with labour groups that represent migrant workers in Goa, have demanded a transparent investigation and accountability for safety lapses.
What Comes Next?
Authorities expect to file additional charges once forensic reports are complete. Goa’s state government has also ordered a wider review of fire compliance records for nightlife venues across the region, an area that attracts thousands of visitors each week.
The nightclub fire is among the deadliest such incidents in recent years in India, underscoring long-standing concerns about overcrowding, lax inspections, and illegal use of fireworks inside enclosed spaces.