Two individuals, identified as the proprietors of a nightclub located in the Indian state of Goa, who are currently sought by authorities in connection with a fatal blaze that resulted in the deaths of 25 people, have been apprehended in Thailand. This development was confirmed by Nagesh Singh, India's Ambassador to Thailand, in a statement to the BBC.
fugitve Brothers Captured
The two individuals are brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, who hold ownership of the establishment known as the Birch By Romeo Lane club. They reportedly fled to the Thai island of Phuket shortly after the devastating incident occurred earlier this week.
"They will be sent back [to India]," Mr. Singh confirmed on Thursday. Their apprehension came just one day after a court in Delhi declined to grant them legal protection from arrest and following the Goa state government's official request to India's Ministry of External Affairs to revoke their passports.
The Luthra brothers have not issued any direct public statements. However, their legal representative informed the court that the owners felt they were being unjustly targeted and made victims of a "witch hunt."
🔥 Details of the Nightclub Inferno
The catastrophic incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning when a lethal fire erupted at the nightclub, which is situated within a densely populated and popular nightlife district of the major tourist state.
Investigators currently theorize that the blaze was ignited by fireworks being discharged inside the venue.
The victims of the tragedy were predominantly members of the club's staff, although five of the deceased were confirmed to be tourists.
🔎 Investigation and Social Media Statement
Authorities disclosed that they executed a raid on the Luthra brothers' residence in Delhi mere hours after the fire broke out, only to discover that they had already fled the country. Following this realization, the police sought the assistance of Interpol to trace their whereabouts.
Saurabh Luthra, whose social media profile identifies him as the chairman of the company operating the nightclub, posted a message on social media on Monday expressing "profound grief."
He wrote that "The management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured," adding a pledge that the nightclub's management would offer "assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved."
On Wednesday, Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, announced that the police had already arrested six other individuals in connection with the incident, and further indicated that "more arrests will be made soon."
Goa, a former Portuguese colony located on the Arabian Sea coast, is globally renowned for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts, drawing millions of international and domestic tourists every year.
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