Goa Nightclub Fire Exposes Illegal Operations: Luthra Brothers Face Culpable Homicide Charges
Club Operated Without Fire NOC, Safety Norms Ignored for Years
Owners Flee to Thailand as Police, Interpol Pursue Legal Action
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 09, 2025:
The devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, which claimed 25 lives on December 7, 2025, has brought to light a series of legal violations and regulatory failures. The tragedy has sparked outrage across India, with questions raised about how the club was allowed to operate despite repeated warnings and illegalities flagged by the landowner and local authorities.
The owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Thailand hours after the incident, prompting Goa Police to issue a Lookout Circular and seek Interpol’s assistance for their arrest.
Laws Violated
Investigations have revealed multiple violations of Indian laws and regulations:
- No Fire Department NOC: The nightclub operated without mandatory clearance from the fire department, violating Goa Fire Services Act provisions.
- Illegal Construction: The landowner had flagged unauthorized structures and modifications, breaching Goa Municipal Act and Town and Country Planning laws.
- Licensing Violations: The club allegedly violated Goa Excise and Licensing Rules by hosting events beyond permitted hours and capacity.
- Safety Norms Ignored: Fire exits were blocked, and fireworks were used indoors, breaching National Building Code fire safety standards.
- Culpable Homicide: Police registered FIRs under Section 304 IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 336/337 IPC (endangering life and causing hurt by negligence).
Police Action
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- FIRs have been filed against the owners, partners, manager, and event organisers.
- Charges include culpable homicide, negligence, and violation of safety laws.
- A Lookout Circular was issued, and the Bureau of Immigration confirmed the brothers left India on a 5:30 am flight to Phuket.
- Goa Police are coordinating with the Interpol Division of the CBI to apprehend them.
Landowner’s Warning
The landowner of the property had repeatedly flagged illegalities and safety concerns over the years:
- Unauthorized construction and expansion of the club.
- Lack of compliance with fire safety norms.
- Overcrowding and use of fireworks indoors.
Despite these warnings, authorities allegedly failed to act, raising questions about regulatory oversight and enforcement gaps.
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Broader Legal Issues
The tragedy highlights systemic problems in India’s nightlife and hospitality industry:
- Weak Enforcement: Authorities often overlook violations due to political or financial influence.
- Safety Negligence: Fire safety norms are routinely ignored in clubs, restaurants, and hotels.
- Accountability Gap: Landowners and residents flag illegalities, but enforcement agencies fail to act until tragedy strikes.
- Legal Reform Needed: Experts call for stricter licensing, mandatory digital compliance checks, and criminal liability for violators.
Expert Views
- Legal Experts: Stress that culpable homicide charges are appropriate given the scale of negligence.
- Fire Safety Specialists: Warn that lack of NOC and blocked exits directly contributed to the high death toll.
- Industry Analysts: Say the tragedy will force stricter regulation of nightlife venues across India.
Conclusion
The Goa nightclub fire is a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring safety laws and regulatory warnings. With 25 lives lost, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for strict enforcement of fire safety norms, licensing rules, and accountability mechanisms.
The flight of the Luthra brothers to Thailand adds an international dimension to the case, with Interpol now involved. For India, the message is clear: illegal operations and negligence in hospitality businesses can no longer be tolerated.
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