Goa Police on Tuesday detained one more accused, co-owner Ajay Gupta, in connection with the fire incident at North Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane restaurant-cum-bar, which killed 25 people. Earlier, a Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued against Gupta, a resident of Delhi.
Gupta was found to be absconding when police arrived at his apartment. Following this, the officials issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him. In a statement, the Goa Police said, "Ajay Gupta has now been detained in Delhi. All accused are being dealt with strictly as per law, and the investigation is progressing on priority."
---Advertisement---
Congress leader Pawan Khera questions Goa fire incident
The latest development comes in response to Congress leader Pawan Khera’s question on the fire incident in Goa. In a post on X, he said, “GS Hospitality Arpora LLP has three directors – Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta. Yet the FIR names only Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who are now absconding."
---Advertisement---
He further questioned, “Which Union Minister is protecting Ajay Gupta? Why was no FIR filed against him?" Meanwhile, the Congress criticised the handling of safety measures at Goa's Arpora restaurant-cum-bar, on Sunday. The party called the deadly event a serious lapse in oversight that requires an immediate probe.
Gupta detained, but where are the Luthra brothers?
According to reports, the Luthra brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh, boarded a flight to Thailand hours after the fire incident. Police have now registered a case against them for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal conspiracy.
About the Goa nightclub fire incident
At least 25 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a nightclub in North Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane late last Saturday night. The popular party venue at Arpora village, which opened last year, had around 100 people on the dance floor when the blaze erupted. Following the incident, the Goa government set up a committee to investigate the incident.
Earlier on Tuesday, the district administration destroyed part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Goa's Vagator town. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who are also the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane.
In a significant update in the ongoing probe into the recent fire incident, a 'blue corner notice' was issued by INTERPOL against the absconding people. According to reports, they fled to Thailand and are now being tracked by authorities.
ALSO READ: After ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ tragedy, Luthra brothers’ second Goa club set for demolition