Romeo Lane nightclub fire: Goa Police cite lack of fire safety during firework event; Delhi court grants 48-hr transit remand

GOA: Goa Police have sought transit remand for nightclub owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, arguing that their presence in Goa is crucial for a critical stage of the investigation into the deadly fire.

The police told a Delhi court that the blaze occurred after a fireworks event was organised at their nightclub without proper fire-safety equipment and other essential safety measures.In submissions to the Patiala House Court, the Goa Police stated that the Luthra brothers are the principal owners and partners of Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa’s Arpora area, holding full control over the club’s operations, safety arrangements, permissions, and events conducted on the premises.

It was alleged that on December 6, a firework was organised at the club without proper care, caution or adequate firefighting equipment, which led to a massive fire resulting in the death of 25 persons, including staff and tourists, and serious injuries to several others.The police further submitted that the investigation is at a critical stage, with the recovery of key documents such as licences, event permissions, and internal communications still pending, and that the conspiracy behind the incident is yet to be unearthed.

It was also pointed out that the accused had allegedly absconded abroad after the incident and was arrested only after returning to India.After reviewing the submissions, FIR, arrest memos, and case diary, Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Chawla approved the transit remand but limited it to 48 hours from the time of custody.The court noted that there is sufficient material at this stage indicating the accused’s involvement, while further investigation would fall under the jurisdiction of the competent court in Goa.While granting the remand, the court instructed the investigating officer to ensure the accused are kept in safe and secure custody during transit and to produce them before the relevant court in Goa immediately upon arrival.The magistrate also took note of the medical status of the accused, observing that they were fit to travel, and directed that all prescribed medicines and necessary medical care be provided to them during the transit period.Following the order, Advocate Surjendu Shankar Das, appearing for the State of Goa, said that the transit remand had been granted and that both accused would be taken to Goa.Visuals of early Wednesday morning from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport showed the two in police custody following their deportation from Thailand and arrest by a Goa Police team.The Arpora nightclub fire on December 6 claimed 25 lives and led to criminal proceedings against the club owners for alleged negligence and breach of mandatory safety regulations.(With agency inputs)