In the latest development following the devastating nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives, the Goa government has formally written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking the revocation of passports belonging to brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the club Birch by Romeo Lane. The tragic incident, which occurred shortly after midnight on December 6 in Arpora, has triggered a series of legal and administrative actions aimed at locating the absconding business partners and fixing accountability for one of Goa’s worst fire disasters in recent years.

MEA Examining Goa Government’s Request

According to officials familiar with the matter, the MEA has confirmed receiving a request from the Goa government. The ministry is now evaluating the proposal under the Passports Act of India, which allows for suspension or revocation of passports under specific conditions, including when individuals are wanted in criminal investigations.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“The external affairs ministry is examining the request to revoke the passports under the Passports Act, in line with extant rules.”

No further details were provided regarding the timeline or likelihood of approval.

Interpol Blue Corner Notice Issued

The Luthra brothers reportedly left India soon after the fire. Their departure has intensified scrutiny, especially as investigators attempt to piece together whether lapses in safety norms, licensing, or management oversight contributed to the disaster.

On the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Interpol has already issued a Blue Corner Notice, which alerts international agencies to gather information on the whereabouts, activities, and identity of the persons of interest.

Court Declines Interim Protection from Arrest

Even as international mechanisms were activated, a Delhi court on Wednesday rejected the Luthra brothers’ plea seeking interim protection from arrest. With no legal shield in place, the possibility of arrest upon re-entry or extradition now looms larger.

Luthra Brothers Deny Fleeing, Claim They Are Not Owners

Through their lawyers, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra issued a strong defense against the allegations. Their legal team argued that:

• They had not fled the country, but were abroad on a business trip.
• They were not the owners, but merely licensees of the nightclub.
• They were not involved in day-to-day operations, which they said were managed entirely by a separate management team.
• Therefore, they contended, they should not be held responsible for operational lapses or safety violations.

These arguments will likely form the basis of their legal strategy as the investigation deepens.

Arrests So Far: Managers and Staff Detained

Meanwhile, the Goa Police have arrested five managers and staff members associated with the nightclub. These arrests suggest that investigators are initially focusing on operational and on-ground accountability, particularly in relation to:

• Fire safety compliance
• Emergency preparedness
• Occupancy levels at the time of the incident
• Response measures from staff

However, authorities have emphasized that responsibility may extend beyond front-line employees, depending on the outcome of forensic and administrative inquiries.

A Devastating Fire and a Deepening Investigation

The fire, which ripped through the upscale nightclub located around 25 km from Panaji, occurred at a peak hour, causing panic and making evacuation difficult. With 25 lives lost — including tourists and staff — public pressure has mounted on the state government and investigative agencies to deliver answers and take decisive action.

The move to seek passport revocation is a sign that the government intends to ensure that no individual connected to the tragedy can evade legal scrutiny.

What Happens Next?

Several key developments are expected in the coming days:

1. MEA’s decision on the passport revocation request.
2. Tracing of the Luthra brothers based on the Blue Corner Notice.
3. Further arrests or charges, if investigators find grounds to hold licensees or partners accountable.
4. Forensic and technical reports, which will provide clarity on what sparked the fire and whether norms were violated.
5. Possible legal challenges by the Luthras, especially if extradition or revocation moves forward.

As the investigation widens, the tragedy’s legal, administrative, and human dimensions continue to unfold. The Goa government’s latest action signals that authorities are prepared to pursue the case across borders if necessary, aiming to ensure accountability for the catastrophic loss of life.