goa-nightclub-fire-luthras-passports-may-be-revoked

The passports of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Goa nightclub who fled to Thailand after a massive fire at the premises killed 25 people, may be revoked by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Sources said on Wednesday that the ministry received a communication from the Goa government with regard to the Luthra brothers’ passports, and is considering the request to revoke the passports in accordance with the rules of the Passports Act of India, they added.

While an Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them, a Delhi court on Wednesday refused to give any interim protection from arrest to the duo. 

Meanwhile, their partner, Ajay Gupta, was brought to Goa from Delhi on a transit remand on Wednesday night for questioning after being produced before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Vinod Joshi, in Delhi earlier in the day.

Justice Joshi granted the Goa Police a 36-hour transit remand to take him to the coastal state, following which Goa Police landed with the accused at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, at 9.45 pm. He was taken to Anjuna police station for further investigation, an official said.

 

Also Read: Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra brothers on the run, co-owner detained

The court cited the ongoing air travel crisis caused by disrupted IndiGo flights as the reason for the extended remand window, and also directed authorities to ensure proper medical care for Gupta, who suffers from a spinal injury, during his transfer.

Gupta, a resident of Jammu, claims to be a ‘silent partner’ and investor in the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub. 

The Luthra brothers’ lawyer has refuted allegations that they fled India, claiming the trip was for a business meeting, and argued that the brothers are only licensees, not the actual owners of the nightclub.

Twenty-five people, including 20 staff members and five tourists, were killed in a major blaze at the facility in North Goa on December 6. Five managers and staff members have already been arrested by Goa Police in connection with the tragedy.