Goa Police is scheduled to leave for Delhi tonight to formally take custody of the Luthra brothers from central agencies in Delhi.
Luthra brothers likely to be deported to Delhi tomorrow; Goa Police to secure custody
The much-anticipated deportation of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, from Thailand to India is now in its final stage. As per multiple media reports, the accused are likely to be deported to Delhi on Tuesday, from where they will be handed over to the Goa Police. Officials have clarified that the Goa Police will not be travelling to Thailand.
A team of the Goa Police is scheduled to leave for Delhi tonight to formally take custody of the Luthra brothers from central agencies in Delhi once they land in the national capital.
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As per the schedule, the Luthra brothers are expected to be brought to Goa late tomorrow night. Upon arrival, they will be taken directly to the Anjuna Police Station for questioning. The accused are likely to be produced before the Mapusa Court on 17 December.
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As per Sources to ANI, Indian authorities have completed all required documentation. Thai immigration authorities are coordinating closely with Indian officials and are preparing to present the case before a local Bangkok court. Sources to ANI further confirmed that all relevant documentation has been submitted to Thai authorities and the case is now awaiting its final legal review by a Bangkok court.
Earlier in the day, a legal team representing the Luthra brothers met them in Thai custody at the detention centre. The meeting lasted around 30 minutes, during which the lawyers briefed their clients on the legal procedures ahead.
According to Thai Immigration officials, Luthras were arrested under Section 12(7) of the Thai Immigration Act. The club owners were then transferred to the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) at Suan Phlu, Sathon, Bangkok. Their legal status in the country was also cancelled as officials at Phuket Immigration revoked their VISA permission to stay in Thailand.
The Goa government has formed a special legal team to ensure effective prosecution of the case. The police have registered a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which carries a provision for maximum imprisonment of 10 years.
The probe is underway with Investigating Officers collecting evidence relating to alleged violations committed by the Luthra brothers.
Birch-Goa partner Ajay Gupta remains in 7-day police custody
On 11 December, accused Ajay Gupta was sent to seven days’ police custody by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Mapusa for further investigation.
Gupta is one of the four owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub. He was arrested in Delhi by the Goa Police. He was brought to Goa to face legal proceedings in the ongoing investigation, following a 36-hour transit remand by Delhi’s Saket Court on 10 December.
Twenty-five people were killed in a devastating fire that broke out late on December 6 at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub. Following the incident, the Luthra brothers had flown to Thailand. The two brothers booked their flight at around 1.15 a.m., shortly after the fire accident, and left for Thailand at 5 a.m. on 07 December.
After India initiated the suspension of their passports, Thai Police had detained the brothers from a resort in Phuket last week. They were flagged as subjects of an Interpol Blue Notice, as Indian law enforcement agencies had requested Thailand to gather information concerning a criminal investigation.
Also read: Goa Nightclub Fire Tragedy: Luthra Brothers’ Escape and Detention – Complete Case Timeline
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