Goa Nightclub Fire: Owners Fled to Phuket, Interpol Blue Notice Issued in Fatal Blaze Probe

Investigation Intensifies as Owners Flee to Phuket

The investigation into the devastating nightclub fire in Arpora, Goa, which claimed the lives of 25 people on December 6, 2025, has intensified with authorities confirming that the club's owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Phuket, Thailand, just hours after the tragedy. As of December 9, 2025, the Goa Police are coordinating with the Interpol Division of the CBI to apprehend the brothers, and an Interpol Blue Notice has been issued to trace their whereabouts.

The fire, which broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, also left approximately 50 people injured, with six still receiving treatment in stable condition.

Details of the Owners' Escape and Police Action

Police reports indicate that Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra departed India on IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Mumbai to Phuket at 5:30 AM on December 7, a mere few hours after the fire erupted around midnight. A Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against them by the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) on December 7 at the request of the Goa Police. Police teams dispatched to their addresses in Delhi found the homes locked, leading officials to state that their swift exit 'shows their intent to avoid police investigation'.

The Interpol Blue Notice serves to collect additional information about a person's identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation, rather than being an arrest warrant. A Red Notice, which would facilitate arrest and extradition, would require a charge sheet and a non-bailable warrant.

Safety Lapses and Tragic Casualties

The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane is believed to have been caused by indoor pyrotechnics, specifically cold pyro guns, used during a dance performance. Sparks from these devices reportedly ignited the club's ceiling, constructed from highly flammable materials like bamboo, fibre sheets, and palm-leaf, leading to a rapid spread of the blaze. Initial reports of a gas cylinder explosion were later ruled out.

The club has been cited for numerous safety violations, including operating without mandatory fire safety clearance, lacking proper emergency exits (especially in the basement), and contravening basic building and licensing norms. Many of the 25 fatalities, which included 20 staff members (primarily trapped in the basement and kitchen areas) and 5 tourists (including a family of four from Delhi), died from suffocation rather than burns. The club's narrow entrance and its location on an island reportedly hampered evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Official Response and Accountability

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, vowing 'stringent action' against those found responsible. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the victims' families.

In addition to the pursuit of the owners, several individuals have been arrested in connection with the fire. These include the club's general manager, three other staffers, and Bharat Kohli, who oversaw daily operations. The Panchayat Sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa, Roshan Redkar, was also detained for issuing a trade license to the establishment. Three government officials involved in issuing permissions have been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.