New Delhi, December 9. The Goa Police has approached the Central Bureau of Investigation to seek the issuance of an Interpol Blue Notice against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners and main accused in the tragic nightclub fire case. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the move aims to locate the duo who fled the country following the blaze that claimed twenty-five lives.
The incident occurred late Saturday night at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub situated in Arpora, approximately twenty-five kilometers from Panaji. As per agency report, it is believed that the owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, escaped to Phuket in Thailand just hours after the tragedy unfolded. The police disclosed this information on Monday while detailing the sequence of events following the fire.
An Interpol Blue Notice is issued to collect additional information concerning a person's identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. The agency is currently in contact with Interpol following the request from the Goa Police to trace the fugitives. Officials clarified that a Red Notice, which allows for the detention of fugitives, can only be issued after a charge sheet is filed and a non-bailable warrant is secured against the wanted individuals.
A senior police officer stated that steps have been initiated to coordinate with the Interpol division of the CBI to apprehend Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra at the earliest. The devastating fire resulted in the deaths of twenty staff members of the nightclub and five tourists, four of whom were from Delhi. Additionally, five injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment at the government-run Goa Medical College and Hospital.
