New Delhi/Goa: The deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora village on December 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 people, has thrown the spotlight on the club’s Delhi-based co-owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. The tragedy, one of the worst in recent memory to hit the state’s nightlife industry, has triggered a nationwide investigation, with authorities actively seeking the brothers, who fled to Thailand shortly after the incident. As the probe intensifies, the Luthra brothers’ business history, rise in the hospitality sector, and prior controversies are under close scrutiny.

A Delhi court on Wednesday refused to grant immediate relief to the brothers in their plea for anticipatory bail, listing the matter for Thursday, while authorities coordinate with Interpol and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to secure their return from Phuket, Thailand. A Blue Corner Notice, facilitating the global tracking of the brothers, has been issued to aid law enforcement agencies in locating them.

1. Background of the Luthra Brothers

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are first-generation restaurateurs and entrepreneurs based in Delhi’s Outram Lines, Kingsway Camp area. They entered the hospitality business in 2015, initially launching cafés under the brand names Mama’s Buoi in Hudson Lane, north Delhi, followed by Dramebaaz. By 2019, they had opened a club called Romeo Lane in Delhi’s Civil Lines, marking their entry into the nightclub and upscale dining segment.

The brothers now run Romeo Lane, a chain of bars, clubs, and restaurants across 37 cities in India, with outlets in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Hyderabad, and international ventures in Dubai and London, with plans to expand into New York. Saurabh, a gold medalist in software engineering from a university in Gujarat, initially worked as a business development manager for a decade before turning to the food and beverage (F&B) industry. According to the Romeo Lane website, he is celebrated as a “promising and fast-growing restaurateur” who has won multiple awards and accolades for his ventures between 2016 and 2025.

Gaurav Luthra, the founder of Romeo Lane, Birch, and CAHA, is equally prominent in shaping the brothers’ hospitality ventures. Together, they own resorts and upscale restaurants across India, including multiple outlets in Goa, a state known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The brothers’ business acumen has been credited with transforming the Romeo Lane brand into one of India’s recognizable chains in the high-end hospitality sector.

2. Controversies Surrounding Romeo Lane

While the Luthra brothers have achieved rapid success in the hospitality sector, their ventures have not been without controversy. The Romeo Lane chain, particularly the Goa outlets, has faced complaints regarding violations of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms and sound pollution limits. The Vagator beach party shack, for instance, has been repeatedly cited for breaching CRZ guidelines and for playing music beyond permissible decibel levels. Locals have lodged several FIRs over the years, yet complaints suggest that violations continued, highlighting longstanding tension between business operations and local regulations.

These controversies have added to the scrutiny on the brothers, especially in light of the fatal fire that occurred at Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa. Investigators are examining whether operational negligence or non-compliance with fire safety norms contributed to the tragedy.

3. The Goa Nightclub Fire Incident

The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane started around midnight on December 6, 2025, when the nightclub was packed with visitors on a busy weekend, including both tourists and locals. The blaze claimed 25 lives and injured several others, marking it as one of the worst tragedies in Goa’s hospitality history.

Following the incident, Goa police arrested five staff members of the nightclub, including the chief general manager, general manager, bar manager, gate manager, and one employee. However, the Luthra brothers, as co-owners and licensees, fled the country hours after the fire, traveling to Thailand, prompting authorities to intensify the manhunt.

4. Flight to Thailand and Legal Proceedings

According to investigators, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra left India within hours of the incident, boarding a flight from New Delhi to Phuket in the early morning. Goa DIG Varsha Sharma confirmed that coordination with CBI and Interpol is ongoing to trace the brothers, and highlighted the issuance of a Blue Corner Notice, which is not an arrest warrant but allows international authorities to monitor the movements and activities of the subjects globally.

Indian officials are reportedly confident about securing the brothers’ return, noting India-Thailand cooperation in criminal matters has been strong. Over the past decade, several fugitives have been deported from Bangkok, providing investigators with reason to believe that the Luthras will be brought back to India soon.

5. Anticipatory Bail and Claims of ‘Witch-Hunt’

In an effort to avoid immediate arrest upon return to India, the Luthra brothers filed a petition for anticipatory bail in Delhi’s Rohini Court. The plea requested court protection, allowing them to safely return to India and approach Goan courts for further relief.

In their petition, the brothers argued that liability for the incident cannot be solely attributed to them, pointing out that the local management staff had already been arrested. They alleged that the Goa government is conducting a targeted “witch-hunt” against them, asserting that they do not own the club outright, but operate as licensees. Despite these claims, the Delhi court denied immediate relief, asking the prosecution to file a response and listing the matter for further hearing.

The anticipatory bail plea reflects the brothers’ concern about facing arrest in the wake of intense media coverage and public outrage. Legal experts note that the case raises complex questions about ownership, operational responsibility, and criminal liability in incidents involving corporate and licensed establishments.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of December 10, 2025, Goa authorities continue to coordinate with Thai officials to locate and deport the Luthra brothers. The Blue Corner Notice, along with ongoing CBI engagement, is central to the effort to bring the brothers back for questioning about fire safety compliance, club management, and operational accountability.

Meanwhile, the Delhi court will continue to consider the anticipatory bail plea, with further arguments scheduled for Thursday. Legal analysts suggest that the case could have significant implications for accountability of business owners in high-risk public venues, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, where safety violations can have tragic consequences.

Conclusion

The story of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra highlights the intersection of business success, regulatory oversight, and legal accountability. Rising from first-generation restaurateurs to owners of a national hospitality chain, the brothers’ trajectory reflects entrepreneurial ambition and strategic expansion. Yet, the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane exposes the potential consequences of operational lapses and regulatory non-compliance.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities, including Goa police, CBI, and Interpol, are focusing on ensuring that the brothers are brought back to face legal proceedings, and that justice is served for the victims and their families. The outcome of the anticipatory bail plea and the ongoing international coordination with Thailand will be closely watched, not only for its immediate legal ramifications but also for its broader impact on hospitality industry accountability in India.