Goa Fire Case: Luthra Brothers Secured Birch Nightclub Licence Using Fake Health Certificate

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 13:46 IST

A police complaint has been registered at Goa's Mapusa Police Station over the alleged forged document.

Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, own the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa where a fire claimed 25 lives.

The Luthra brothers have come under fresh scrutiny after being accused of submitting a fake health certificate during the licensing process of their Goa nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane. 

According to CNN News18 sources, a police complaint has been registered at Mapusa Police Station over the alleged forged document. Police are checking whether false papers were used to secure official permissions to operate the club.

Interrogation delays

According to sources, the Luthra brothers have continued to delay interrogation and have remained defiant during questioning. Investigators say they have not been fully cooperating with the probe, making it difficult to establish the complete chain of events leading to the fire and the alleged licensing violations.

The police custody of the Luthra brothers ends today. However, Goa Police are expected to seek further custody, citing the need for more questioning. Officials say additional time is required to probe the alleged fake health certificate, safety lapses and financial transactions linked to the club.

Goa club fire

The case is linked to the deadly fire that broke out at the Birch nightclub on December 6, 2025, killing 25 people. The blaze erupted around 11.45 pm during a fire show inside the club. Investigators say the tragedy was worsened by the lack of emergency exits, alleged unlicensed operations and the ignoring of safety warnings. Several people were trapped inside the packed venue.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, Delhi-based restaurateurs known as the Luthra Brothers, allegedly fled Goa within hours of the fire. They boarded an IndiGo flight to Thailand, raising serious suspicion. Their sudden exit triggered an international manhunt.

The brothers were later detained in Phuket, Thailand, after their passports were cancelled. Following legal formalities, they were deported to Delhi on December 16. Goa Police arrested them at the airport and brought them in for questioning. A Delhi court had earlier rejected their anticipatory bail plea.

Financial irregularities

Authorities are also investigating a possible money laundering angle. The brothers are allegedly linked to 42 shell companies registered at a single address in Delhi. This has raised concerns about fraud. One of their business partners, Ajay Gupta, has also been arrested.

Police have said the investigation is ongoing and strict action will be taken against all those found responsible for the deaths and regulatory violations.

News india Goa Fire Case: Luthra Brothers Secured Birch Nightclub Licence Using Fake Health Certificate

Read More