Birch by Romeo Lane owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, on Wednesday moved an anticipatory bail application, even as Goa authorities demolished their Vagator beach shack sealed after last week’s devastating fire that killed 25 people. A lawyer from their team confirmed that the Sessions Court is expected to hear the matter today.
The case has rapidly escalated beyond a routine fire investigation, drawing in international agencies, state authorities, and multiple enforcement actions across Goa and Delhi.
CBI and Interpol involved; Blue Corner Notice issued
Investigators continue to focus on the fire that broke out in the early hours of Sunday, causing one of Goa’s worst hospitality-related tragedies in recent years. Responding to allegations of police negligence, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma told ANI, “We have coordinated with the CBI and Interpol. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued.”
Police sources said that hours after the blaze on December 7, the Luthra brothers boarded a flight from Delhi to Phuket. Interpol has since issued a Blue Corner Notice to help trace and provisionally detain them.
Ajay Gupta to be produced in court
In a parallel development, the Goa Police on Wednesday brought Ajay Gupta, who is one of the four owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, to the Sunlight Colony Crime Branch office in New Delhi. Gupta is expected to be produced in court later today.
Gupta, who was previously untraceable, had a Lookout Circular issued against him. When police reached his Delhi home, he was found absconding, prompting a non-bailable warrant. As per ANI, Gupta told police, “I am just a partner. I don’t know anything.”
His detention marks another key step in the widening probe.
The massive blaze, which killed at least 25 people, most of them staff members, triggered immediate political and administrative pressure. The Goa government formed an inquiry committee, and the district administration demolished unauthorised portions of Romeo Lane in Vagator.
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, meanwhile, said the investigation would go “down to top,” adding that “some heads need to roll.”