The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively considering a request from the Goa government to revoke the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the “Birch by Romeo Lane” nightclub where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives. The action comes after a Delhi court denied the brothers, who are said to have left the country, temporary protection from arrest and an Interpol Blue Corner alert.
What is the Status of the MEA’s Action?
The MEA has officially confirmed receiving a formal communication from the Goa government regarding the Luthra brothers. A government official stated the ministry is “examining the request to revoke the passports under the Passports Act of India, in line with the extant rules.”
This is a critical procedural step.If the MEA proceeds, revoking their passports would severely restrict the brothers’ international mobility, making it difficult for them to cross borders legally and potentially forcing their detention or deportation in the country where they are currently located.
What Are the Allegations and Legal Actions?
The inquiry into the fire that started at their nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, at midnight on December 6, 2025, centers on the Luthra brothers.Soon after the incident, they departed India.
Key legal developments include:
Interpol Notice: At India’s request, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured an Interpol Blue Corner Notice for the brothers.This is an international alert to locate, identify, and gather information on wanted individuals.
Court Denies Protection: On Wednesday, a court in New Delhi rejected the arguments made by their attorneys and denied them any temporary protection from arrest.Additional Arrests Five club management and employees have already been taken into custody by Goa police in relation to the fire.
What is the Defense from the Luthra Brothers?
The brothers’ legal team has mounted a multi-pronged defense, refuting key accusations:
Fleeing Allegations: They contend the brothers did not “flee” but were away on a pre-planned business trip.
Ownership Status: They argue the brothers were merely “licensees” of the property, not owners, and therefore not directly liable.
Operational Role: They claim the brothers were not involved in day-to-day activities, which were handled by a management team, and thus cannot be held responsible for operational lapses that may have caused the fire.They contend that because the brothers were not involved in daily operations, which were managed by a management team, they cannot be held accountable for any operational errors that might have led to the fire.
Your Questions Answered: Goa Club Fire Case FAQs
Q: What is a Blue Corner Notice?
A: An Interpol Blue Corner Notice is a worldwide alert that is sent out to gather more details regarding an individual’s identity, whereabouts, or criminal activity. Although it is a useful tool for tracking down fugitives, it is not a worldwide arrest warrant.
Q: On what grounds can the MEA revoke a passport?
A: A passport may be revoked under the Passports Act of 1967 for a variety of reasons, such as criminal proceedings, issued warrants or summonses, or to protect India’s integrity and sovereignty. The ongoing criminal investigation offers a clear legal basis.
Q: What happens if their passports are revoked?
A: They would become “undocumented” or “illegal” in any foreign country. They would be unable to legally travel, renew visas, or identify themselves to authorities. This raises the chance that foreign authorities could detain them for immigration violations, possibly resulting in deportation to India.
Q: What is the significance of the court denying them protection?
A: It signals the court’s view that the investigation has primacy and that the brothers’ arguments for protection at this stage are not strong enough. It empowers investigative agencies to seek their arrest actively.
Q: Have the owners of the building been questioned?
A: The report highlights the Luthra brothers as the club’s operational owners. The probe will probably cover all stakeholders, including property owners, to check for breaches of safety, licensing, and building rules.
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