Goa Nightclub Owners Fled Country Hours After Deadly Fire Killed 25

Hours after a fire tore through North Goa nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane on Dec. 7, 2025, killing 25 people, the venue’s owners, brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, left India for Thailand.

According to the Goa Police, an FIR was registered soon after the blaze, and a police team was dispatched to Delhi to locate the brothers. Officers found both homes locked and posted a notice at the address. A lookout circular was then requested through the Bureau of Immigration.

Investigators later learned that the brothers had boarded a flight from Mumbai to Phuket at 5:30 AM on Sunday, only a few hours after the incident. Police said the two were in Delhi when the fire broke out.

Multiple news reports also stated that the CBI may now approach Interpol for a Blue Corner Notice to gather details on the brothers’ location and activities as part of the investigation.

The state government has also moved against the wider Romeo Lane network, sealing two of its establishments in Goa, including a beach shack and another nightlife venue.

On Monday, Dec. 8, Saurabh Luthra posted an Instagram Story, saying the management was “deeply shaken” and stood in “unwavering solidarity” with the families of those who died or were injured. He added that the team would cooperate fully and extend any support required.

While some eyewitnesses have claimed the blaze may have been triggered by the use of pyro guns during a performance, officials have said the cause has not yet been confirmed, and a formal probe is underway.

The deadly blaze killed 20 staff members and five tourists visiting the nightclub, according to official figures. The FIR cites major safety violations at Birch by Romeo Lane, including the absence of fire-fighting equipment, no emergency exit, and missing licences and permissions. Police have arrested four senior staffers so far, including chief general manager Rajiv Modak, gate manager Priyanshu Thakur, bar manager Rajveer Singhania, and general manager Vivek Singh. A fifth employee, Bharat Singh, who oversaw daily operations, was detained in Delhi, while another staff member, Bharat Kohli, was also picked up in Delhi and brought to Goa for questioning.

Following the tragedy, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority issued an advisory to all nightlife and hospitality venues, directing strict compliance with fire-safety, electrical, structural, and emergency-response norms.

A video from inside the club, widely shared online, captures a dance performance moments before flames appear on the roof, sending performers and guests scrambling for safety.