Goa fire tragedy: Nightclub owner Ajay Gupta to be produced in court

Goa Police brought Ajay Gupta, co-owner of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, to Delhi in connection with a fire that killed 25. An INTERPOL blue corner notice has been issued against other absconding owners, the Luthra brothers, who fled to Thailand.

Goa Police on Wednesday brought Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, to the Sunlight Colony Crime Branch office in connection with the recent North Goa fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the restaurant-cum-bar. Gupta is expected to be presented in court later today as part of the ongoing investigation.

Background of the Fire and Initial Probe

The development comes days after the massive blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident and killing at least 25 people, most of whom were staff of the restaurant.

The Government of Goa formed a committee to investigate the incident.

On Tuesday, the Goa Police detained one more accused, Ajay Gupta, a resident of New Delhi. A Lookout Circular (LOC) had earlier been issued against Gupta. When the police team visited his residence in Delhi, he was found to be absconding; a non-bailable arrest warrant was subsequently issued against him.

Hunt for Absconding Owners

The district administration demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane.

INTERPOL Notice Issued

In a major development in the ongoing investigation into Goa's Romeo Lane fire incident, a 'blue corner notice' has been issued by INTERPOL against the absconding accused, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, just two days after the incident took place, state police said on Tuesday. The brothers fled to Thailand after the fire, which claimed 25 lives, and are now being tracked by international authorities.

"Goa Police has achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation of the Birch by Romeo Lane fire incident. A Blue Corner Notice has been issued by INTERPOL against the absconding accused," Goa police said in a statement.

'Heads Need to Roll': Minister

Meanwhile, Goa Tourism's Rohan Khaunte said a strict investigation will be conducted from "down to top" and that "some heads need to roll."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)