Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, has asserted that his role in the business was limited, seeking to distance himself from operational responsibilities in the wake of a devastating fire that killed 25 people last weekend. Gupta made the statement after being detained in Delhi by authorities.
"I was only a partner, I don’t know anything else," Gupta told mediapersons on Wednesday, prior to being taken to Goa for questioning in connection with the blaze that erupted at the upscale nightclub last Saturday night.
Gupta's name appears on the nightclub’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) documents alongside those of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, confirming his official association with the establishment. His remarks highlight a growing effort among those linked to the venue to delineate their individual levels of involvement as the investigation into one of Goa’s deadliest nightlife tragedies accelerates.
Police officials revealed that a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against Gupta after a Goa police team initially failed to locate him at his Delhi residence. “We later managed to detain him in Delhi," a senior official told PTI, adding that Gupta would be formally arrested before being transported to Goa for interrogation.
Authorities have emphasized that his questioning is a critical step in unraveling the nightclub’s ownership and management hierarchy, which is essential for determining accountability following the December 6 disaster. The fire broke out around midnight at the venue in Arpora, North Goa, engulfing the space in flames and smoke, leading to mass casualties and injuries. The incident has triggered intense scrutiny of safety protocols, licensing, and emergency systems at entertainment venues across the tourist state.
Meanwhile, the two primary owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, are reported to have fled to Phuket, Thailand, in the immediate aftermath of the fire. In a significant development, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice for them, mobilizing international law enforcement agencies in the search. A Blue Corner Notice seeks to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a crime.
Additionally, a Look Out Circular has been issued against Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British national and co-owner of the nightclub, as investigators work to ensure all individuals potentially responsible are held accountable. The multi-jurisdictional chase underscores the complexity of the case and the determination of officials to pursue justice across borders.
The tragedy has ignited a fierce debate on regulatory enforcement and safety compliance in Goa's bustling hospitality and nightlife sector. Questions are being raised about overcrowding, the adequacy of fire exits, the presence of functional safety equipment, and the validity of the club’s licenses. The state government has announced audits of similar establishments and vowed strict action against those found violating norms.
As Ajay Gupta faces interrogation in Goa, the focus remains not only on individual culpability but also on systemic failures. For the families of the 25 victims, the pursuit of answers and accountability is just beginning. The coming days are likely to see further revelations as the net tightens around the nightclub's ownership and the full picture of managerial oversight—or the lack thereof—comes to light.
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