A court in Goa has rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane. The decision came in a separate case alleging that the brothers submitted forged documents to obtain an excise licence for the venue.
The nightclub was the site of a tragic fire on December 6, 2025, in the Arpora area of North Goa, which claimed 25 lives and injured around 50 people.
Details of the Forgery Case
Investigators from Mapusa police registered a case against the Luthra brothers for allegedly forging a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the health officer of Candolim Health Centre. This forged document was reportedly used to secure the excise licence for operating the nightclub.
The prosecution opposed the bail plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for custodial interrogation. The Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa rejected the anticipatory bail, stating that relief could not be granted at this stage of the investigation.
Background of the Fire Incident
The fire broke out during a dance event at the club on the night of December 6, 2025. The blaze spread quickly, and rescue efforts were hampered by limited access and flammable materials inside the venue. A separate probe into safety violations and regulatory lapses at the nightclub is still ongoing.
The Luthra brothers had left India shortly after the incident and were later deported from Thailand. They are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case.
Legal counsel for the brothers indicated that they would examine the detailed court order and explore further legal remedies.
The incident has led to widespread inspections and safety audits of nightclubs and entertainment venues across Goa.