- By Shubham Bajpai
- Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:59 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Goa government has written to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking revocation of the passports of absconding co-owners of the nightclub, where fire claimed the lives of 25 people.
News agency PTI cited sources as saying that on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs received a request from the Goa government to cancel the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra and the request is currently under examination.
"The external affairs ministry is examining the request to revoke the passports under the Passports Act of India, in line with the extant rules," the report quoted a person saying.
The move comes after Goa CM Pramod Sawant vowed to bring the Luthra brothers back to India, irrespective of where they go. A report by NDTV quoted CM Sawant saying, "Whether it is Thailand or anywhere else, we will pick them up from there and put them behind bars."
Luthra brothers booked flight during fire incident
The Goa Police revealed that Luthras booked the flight to Thailand's Phuket while their club was on fire and departed before dawn.
The Police detained one Ajay Gupta, who claimed to be a silent partner and investor in the fire-ravaged 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub. He was brought to Goa from Delhi on a transit remand on Wednesday night for questioning.
ALSO READ: Bengaluru Police Step Up Safety Checks In Key Areas Amid Goa Night Club Fire
Accused call Phuket journey a business trip, police claims escape
The Luthra brothers have claimed that their journey to Phuket was related to work and they were not absconding. Both accused filed an interim relief petition in a Delhi court, which was rejected on Wednesday.
The advocate representing Saurabh and Gaurav has argued that the brothers are only licensees, not the actual owners of the nightclub.
Goa DGP Alok Kumar has, however, described their departure as a "clear attempt to evade investigation." On Tuesday, the Goa Police reached out to CBI and got an Interpol Blue Corner Notice issued against both the accused.
ALSO READ: Goa Nightclub Fire: Police Deny Helping Luthra Brothers Escape; Say, 'Flight Booked At 1.17 AM'
Magistrate enquiry report in 8 days
On Wednesday, Goa CM provided details about the measures and actions taken in the matter. He said, "Immediately after the fire incident in Goa, the Home Department, Fire Department, and the Administration are actively working. We are trying to save as many lives as possible. The six people who have been admitted are being treated thoroughly at Goa Medical College. The bodies of 25 people are being handed over to their families. We have informed the PM Relief Fund about the accounts of the deceased. Six people have been arrested so far, and those who need to be arrested will be arrested by our Home Police Department. Three people have been suspended by the government. We have initiated a magistrate inquiry. The report of the inquiry will be submitted within eight days. Then we will take strict action against them. To conduct the audit, we have appointed an audit committee under the Revenue Secretary. They will audit the various types of clubs here..."
