In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the catastrophic fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, the state police on Tuesday detained Ajay Gupta, an alleged business associate of the club’s owners, the Luthra brothers. The late-night blaze, which broke out early Sunday in Arpora village, resulted in the tragic deaths of 25 people, including tourists and staff members, prompting a massive police operation, multiple arrests, and international alerts for fleeing suspects.

According to information shared by the Goa Police and the PTI news agency, Gupta was detained after a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him and another individual, identified as Surinder Kumar Khosla. The circular was issued shortly after the authorities learned that the nightclub’s owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra—prominent businessmen from Delhi—had fled the country within hours of the incident. Their sudden disappearance drew intense scrutiny and raised questions about how they managed to leave despite the severity of the tragedy.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Varsha Sharma addressed the media at the Anjuna police station, confirming the LOC against Gupta and Khosla. Sharma noted that Khosla is a British national, a detail that broadens the international dimension of the case and may necessitate coordination with foreign authorities. The police made it clear that both Gupta and Khosla came under the scanner as investigators worked to identify all individuals connected with the club’s ownership and operations, as well as any potential lapses that may have contributed to the severe loss of life.

The nightclub fire, which erupted shortly after midnight on Sunday, was one of the deadliest incidents Goa has witnessed in recent years. The first distress call reached the police control room at 12:04 am. Fire crews and emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the inferno spread rapidly through the premises, trapping dozens of people. By the time the blaze was brought under control, 25 individuals had lost their lives, leaving families devastated and the community in shock. Many of the victims were young staff members working late shifts, while five were tourists, including four from Delhi and one from Karnataka. Their bodies were later identified as authorities worked through the charred remains of the structure.

As investigators pieced together the timeline of events, a critical detail emerged: the Luthra brothers boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from New Delhi to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 am on the same morning of the tragedy—less than six hours after the first alert was raised. Flight trackers showed that the aircraft landed in Phuket shortly after 11 am. Their swift departure appeared to be a calculated move, coming well before any formal restrictions could be placed on their travel.

Goa Police reached their Delhi residence the following day. In their absence, a statement was issued confirming that the owners had indeed left the country. This revelation intensified public outrage and prompted the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) to issue a look-out notice against them on Sunday evening. Given the circumstances, the police suggested that more severe measures, such as seeking Interpol assistance, may be considered if the brothers do not return voluntarily for questioning.

While the Luthras remain abroad, the police have already arrested five individuals linked to the nightclub’s management. Those taken into custody include chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur, and Bharat Kohli. Officials said these arrests were based on preliminary evidence indicating possible negligence, safety violations, and lapses in emergency preparedness. Investigators are examining whether the club had adequate fire safety measures, valid licenses, and structurally compliant facilities at the time of the incident.

Authorities are also reviewing reports suggesting the nightclub may have been operating beyond permitted hours and possibly without updated fire clearance certificates. Eyewitness accounts have described chaotic scenes, with patrons struggling to find accessible exits as flames engulfed the interiors. These accounts, paired with forensic analysis, will play a crucial role in determining responsibility.

DIG Sharma reiterated the force’s commitment to holding all accountable parties responsible. She emphasized that the investigation is probing every angle, including possible illegal modifications to the building, overcrowding, and failure to adhere to safety protocols. With multiple teams assigned to forensic work, building inspections, and financial inquiries, the police aim to piece together a comprehensive picture of the circumstances that led to the lethal fire.

Meanwhile, Ajay Gupta’s role in the larger business network surrounding the nightclub has drawn particular interest. Described as an alleged partner of the Luthra brothers, Gupta was believed to be closely involved in operations. His detention marks a significant step toward unraveling the ownership structure and identifying who may have had decision-making authority over day-to-day functioning and regulatory compliance. Police officials said Gupta will be questioned extensively to determine what he knew about the club’s operations, whether he was aware of safety issues, and whether he played a role in any decisions that may have compromised the venue’s security.

Surinder Kumar Khosla, the other individual named in the LOC, is also being sought. While details remain limited, officials believe Khosla had business or managerial ties to the nightclub, making his testimony potentially valuable in reconstructing the events leading up to the tragedy.

As the investigation continues, the case has triggered nationwide calls for stronger enforcement of safety norms in entertainment venues. The Goa government has announced that it will conduct a statewide audit of nightclubs, restaurants, and event spaces to prevent future disasters. Authorities have stressed that this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety regulations, especially in establishments that attract large crowds.

In the days ahead, the focus will likely remain on securing the return of the Luthra brothers, clarifying the exact roles of their associates, and determining whether criminal negligence or willful violations contributed to the deaths of 25 people. For the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, justice and accountability remain paramount. The detainment of Ajay Gupta is just one development in a complex and evolving investigation that continues to draw national attention.

As Goa Police push forward with questioning, arrests, and international coordination, the case underscores the urgent need for structural reforms, stricter oversight, and a renewed commitment to public safety in one of India’s most visited tourist destinations.