Goa Police detained Ajay Gupta, Delhi-based co-owner and partner of absconding brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, on December 9 in connection with the December 6 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora that killed 25 people, mostly staff, due to locked exits and safety lapses.
Gupta, tracked via Look Out Circular after evading at his residence, faces transit remand to Goa; five staff arrested earlier, Luthras fled to Thailand with Interpol Blue Corner Notice issued, and another partner Surinder Kumar Khosla also under LOC. Officials call it a key breakthrough amid public fury.
Fire Tragedy and Escape of Owners
The blaze erupted around 11:45 PM on December 6 during a crowded event, allegedly sparked by mishandled indoor fireworks in a venue lacking proper fire systems, valid permissions, and adequate exits, trapping revellers and claiming 25 lives with over 50 injured. Preliminary probes revealed overcrowding and negligence.
The Luthra brothers, primary owners of the North Goa hotspot, fled hours later, prompting swift international alerts. A government committee probes systemic tourism safety gaps, while authorities razed parts of related Romeo Lane outlet in Vagator.
Gupta and Khosla emerged as partners post-initial arrests of managers like Rajiv Modak and Vivek Singh.
Detention Details and Gupta’s Claims
Police issued LOCs after failing to find Gupta at Lajpat Nagar home; a non-bailable warrant followed, leading to his December 9 pickup as the sixth accused.
He told media upon detention, “I am only a partner, do not know anything about operations,” denying responsibility. Sources note he minimised phone use to dodge tracking; formal arrest and Goa transfer pending for grilling on irregularities. Luthras seek anticipatory bail in Delhi court.
Victims’ kin demand justice, humanising staff who perished serving amid hazards.
Investigation Momentum and Safety Scrutiny
Goa Police spokesperson confirmed, “All accused dealt strictly as per law; probe on priority.” Joint teams raid venues for violations; Congress slams oversight lapses. The case exposes nightlife risks in tourist hubs, with 25 funerals fuelling calls for stricter norms.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Such tragedies born of neglect urge empathy for grieving families and reforms ensuring safety trumps profits for harmonious tourism. Kindness demands accountability through dialogue between operators and regulators.
