In a significant development in the tragic nightclub fire case that shook Goa late last year, a local court on Wednesday granted bail to Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub. The case pertains to the devastating blaze that claimed at least 25 lives in North Goa’s Arpora village on December 6, 2025.
The fire, one of the deadliest such incidents in the state’s recent history, also left more than 50 people injured, raising serious concerns about safety compliance and regulatory oversight in Goa’s nightlife establishments.
The relief from the court comes just days after a setback for the Luthra brothers. Last week, an additional sessions court in Mapusa had rejected their anticipatory bail pleas in a separate case involving the alleged forgery of documents to obtain an excise licence for the nightclub. Their advocate, Parag Rao, confirmed the rejection of their petition on March 27.
Following the rejection of anticipatory bail, the Mapusa Police Station took the brothers into custody earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged forgery case. Officials stated that the accused had submitted fabricated documents to secure the necessary licence from the excise department to operate the nightclub.
While the forgery case is being handled by Mapusa police, the fire incident itself remains under investigation by the Anjuna Police Station.
An official involved in the probe confirmed that the custody of the Luthra brothers was crucial to gather further evidence in the licensing irregularities linked to the establishment.
The case also drew attention due to the brothers’ attempt to evade authorities. Shortly after the December 6 tragedy, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra fled to Thailand. They were later detained and deported back to India, where they were arrested upon arrival.
They are currently lodged in Colvale Central Jail in North Goa.
Despite being granted bail in the latest development, the legal troubles for the Luthra brothers are far from over. Investigations into both the fire tragedy and the alleged forgery of documents continue, with authorities examining possible lapses in safety measures, licensing procedures, and accountability.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on nightlife venues across Goa, with calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms and licensing regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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