Goa Nightclub Fire: Officials Build Strong Extradition Case Against The Luthras. What's Next?

Last Updated:December 10, 2025, 12:01 IST

If the accused entered Thailand legally, Indian agencies have to file formal dossiers, present evidence, and allow Thai courts to evaluate the request

Both the owners, Saurabh Luthra (L) and Gaurav Luthra have fled the country. (File photo)

The owners of the Goa nightclub, which recently went up in flames claiming multiple lives, fled the scene almost immediately after the incident. According to top government sources, the accused Luthra brothers benefitted from gaps during the early hours of the investigation, giving them a crucial head start and making it harder for Indian agencies to locate or detain them before lookout circulars were issued.

Officials say Indian investigators are now armed with a “legally solid, court-ready" case establishing clear culpability for deaths caused by negligence. However, they also acknowledge that missing documents, procedural lapses, or initially unclear charges slowed down the ability to initiate swift international action.

Agencies have begun tracking the travel routes used by the accused, particularly to determine whether they passed through multiple countries before reaching Thailand. If so, India will be required to coordinate with each nation’s immigration and law enforcement systems. This process, top sources explain, involves diplomatic clearance at every stage, inevitably creating delays.

A crucial factor now under examination is the legal status of the accused inside Thailand. According to top officials, if the individuals overstayed visas, used forged documents, or lied during entry, Thai authorities have the power to directly deport them to India without engaging in lengthy legal procedures. Deportation, they stress, is far quicker than a formal extradition process.

However, if the accused entered Thailand legally, Indian agencies must proceed under the Indo-Thai extradition treaty. This involves filing formal dossiers, presenting evidence, and allowing Thai courts to evaluate the request — steps that could take weeks or even months before approval. Adding to the complexity, the accused may attempt to delay proceedings by claiming fear of persecution or an unfair trial in India, triggering prolonged legal appeals in Thai courts.

Even the issuance of a Red Corner Notice (RCN) does not guarantee immediate arrest. Sources emphasise that Thailand, like many other countries, treats RCNs as informational alerts rather than binding arrest warrants. Arrests can only occur if domestic law permits, which further slows down the process.

Thai judicial authorities will also closely scrutinise whether the Goa fire constitutes criminal negligence as alleged by India, or whether it could be interpreted as an unfortunate accident. This distinction will play a central role in determining whether the accused can be extradited under Thai law.

Top government sources maintain that despite these hurdles, Indian agencies remain confident and are prepared for a sustained legal and diplomatic effort to bring the accused back to face trial.

News india Goa Nightclub Fire: Officials Build Strong Extradition Case Against The Luthras. What's Next?

Read More