'Just a Partner, Don’t Know Anything': Goa Nightclub Co-Owner Detained; Hunt for Luthra Brothers

Goa Police have detained Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, following a devastating fire at the Arpora club that claimed 25 lives. Gupta, picked up in Delhi on Tuesday after a Lookout Circular was issued against him, maintained that he had no role in the club’s daily operations. “I am just a partner. I don’t know anything,” he told authorities soon after his detention.

Hunt Continues for Primary Owners

Investigators are now focusing on the club’s main owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who reportedly fled to Phuket just hours after the blaze. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice to track them down, and Goa Police are working closely with the CBI to coordinate the effort. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that a team would be sent to Thailand to bring the accused back to India.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, the Luthra brothers boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Delhi to Phuket on Sunday morning. Authorities have also issued a notice seeking an explanation for why their passports should not be impounded. Additionally, a Blue Corner Notice has been issued against British national and property owner Surinder Kumar Khosla.

Co-Owners and Staff Already in Custody

Ajay Gupta is expected to be flown to Goa on Wednesday, where he will be formally arrested. Five other nightclub personnel have already been taken into custody, including:

• Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak
• General Manager Vivek Singh
• Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania
• Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur
• Employee Bharat Kohli

Government Action and Accountability

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte called the incident “a very tragic episode” and emphasized that accountability must be fixed. He stressed that a thorough inquiry should produce a factual report. Meanwhile, the district administration demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, owned by the Luthras, citing illegal construction.

The investigation continues as authorities work to bring the fugitives to justice and ensure responsibility for one of Goa’s deadliest nightclub tragedies is established.