New Delhi/Goa: The investigation into the tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, which claimed 25 lives and left six injured, took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the nightclub, was detained by Delhi Police from a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar. Gupta, who had been evading authorities since the fire on December 6, was reportedly admitted to the hospital citing spine-related medical issues, but police sources confirmed that his medical claims were faked, and he was apprehended once he received clearance for detention.

The fire, which erupted around midnight on a busy weekend, turned the nightclub into a site of chaos and tragedy, particularly as the venue was packed with visitors, including five tourists. In the immediate aftermath, the primary owners of the club, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, prominent businessmen from Delhi, fled the country and were traced to Phuket, Thailand. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice was subsequently issued against the brothers.

Ajay Gupta, in contrast, remained in India but managed to evade investigators despite being a key partner in the nightclub operations. His detention was the result of sustained investigative efforts by the Delhi Crime Branch’s Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell in coordination with the Goa Police.

The Arrest and Medical Ruse

According to police sources, Gupta was constantly on the move after the probe into the nightclub fire intensified. His lookout circular (LOC) had already been issued to prevent him from leaving the country. Investigators finally traced him to a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had admitted himself under the pretext of spine-related health issues. The sleuths monitored his movements and detained him once he received medical clearance.

“A Look Out Circular had been issued against him after Goa Police failed to find him in Delhi during their first search. He was later located at a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had reportedly admitted himself citing spine-related medical issues. After the medical clearance, he was detained and brought to the Crime Branch office for further procedures,” said a police source.

During his questioning by authorities, Gupta reportedly maintained that he is “only a partner” of the Luthra brothers and claimed that he had no operational control over the club. However, the police contend that his role and knowledge of the nightclub’s operations—including fire safety measures, staffing, and management decisions—warrants thorough questioning.

Transit Remand and Legal Proceedings

Following his detention, Gupta was taken to LNJP Hospital for mandatory medical tests before being produced in the Saket Court, which granted the Goa Police 36-hour transit remand. This remand allows police to take Gupta to Goa for further investigation, focusing on the management and operational responsibilities of the nightclub, compliance with fire safety norms, and other regulatory requirements.

The court proceedings highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. The fire-safety compliance aspect, in particular, is expected to come under intense scrutiny, given that the tragedy led to such a high number of casualties despite the club being located in a prominent tourist area.

Ongoing Investigation and Broader Accountability

The Goa Police are continuing their search for Surinder Kumar Khosla, another key individual allegedly associated with the nightclub’s operations. So far, the authorities have arrested five staff members in connection with the fire: chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli. Their arrests indicate that the probe is examining both the managerial and operational lapses that may have contributed to the scale of the disaster.

While the Luthra brothers remain abroad, Indian authorities are coordinating with Thai law enforcement agencies to ensure their prompt return. Sources indicate that given the friendly relations between Indian and Thai agencies on criminal matters, the process of bringing the brothers back could be expedited. In past instances, fugitives have been successfully repatriated from Bangkok, suggesting that officials are confident of a similar outcome in this case.

Gupta’s Defense and Position

Ajay Gupta’s claim of being merely a partner of the nightclub is likely to be a central aspect of his defense in the coming days. However, legal experts point out that even as a non-operational partner, Gupta may still bear vicarious liabilityunder Indian law if negligence or lapses in management contributed to the fire.

The nightclub fire tragedy has raised serious questions regarding licensing, compliance with fire regulations, and emergency preparedness, and investigators are expected to probe how permits were issued, safety protocols maintained, and whether warnings were ignored prior to the incident. Gupta’s testimony and cooperation with authorities are expected to shed light on these issues.

Context: The Nightclub Fire

The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane occurred late on a Saturday night in North Goa’s Arpora area, a popular hub for tourists and party-goers. Eyewitnesses described panic as flames engulfed the club, with patrons scrambling to escape. Emergency services, including the Goa Fire and Rescue Department, responded quickly, but the dense crowd and rapid spread of the fire contributed to one of the deadliest nightclub incidents in recent Goan history.

Authorities have also highlighted that the Luthra brothers’ rapid departure to Thailand, just five hours after the fire, added to public outrage. Their swift exit, coupled with the ongoing search for Ajay Gupta and others, has kept the case in the media spotlight.

National and Legal Implications

The tragedy has sparked a broader debate on accountability in nightlife venues, adherence to safety standards, and corporate responsibility. Legal analysts predict that the prosecution may invoke provisions under the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence, and violations under the Fire Safety Act, to hold the owners and key personnel accountable.

Meanwhile, the Goa government has reportedly intensified coordination with Interpol, Indian investigative agencies, and foreign authorities to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice. This includes tracking, detention, and eventual prosecution of those who have fled the country, highlighting the cross-border complexity of the case.

Public and Political Reaction

The nightclub fire has sparked public outrage, especially among the families of the deceased and injured. Media reports and social media campaigns have called for strict punishment for the owners and enhanced regulatory oversight for entertainment venues. Politicians from multiple parties have expressed concern, demanding accountability and swift action.

Ajay Gupta’s detention is likely to fuel further developments in the investigation. With the Luthra brothers abroad and other key personnel already in custody, the authorities appear determined to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fire, understand lapses in management and emergency response, and ensure that justice is delivered to victims’ families.

Conclusion

Ajay Gupta’s arrest from a Delhi hospital marks a significant development in the ongoing probe into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire. Despite his claims of being “only a partner,” the investigation will scrutinize his role in management and compliance issues, alongside the broader network of owners, managers, and staff. With multiple arrests, international cooperation, and increasing public scrutiny, the case is set to unfold as one of the most closely monitored legal proceedings in recent Goan history.

The tragedy not only underscores the need for strict adherence to fire safety regulations in entertainment venues but also highlights the challenges authorities face when key suspects attempt to evade accountability. With further interrogations, legal proceedings, and extradition efforts underway, the investigation into the December 6 nightclub fire is poised to remain in the national spotlight for months to come.

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