External Affairs Ministry investigating Goa government’s request to cancel passports of nightclub owners after deadly fire

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is examining a request by the Goa government to cancel the passports of Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, owners of Birch by Romeo nightclub, where 25 people died in the massive fire, according to people familiar with the matter.

Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs has received a formal communication from the state authorities and is processing it under the provisions of the Passport Act, in line with existing rules. The move signals a tightening of screws around both the owners as multiple agencies investigate alleged violations that led to the fire.

The Luthras, who were co-owners of the upscale nightclub, have been under investigation since the incident, which has sparked outrage over security lapses and regulatory oversight in Goa’s nightlife industry. If the passport revocation process is approved, their ability to leave the country will be limited while the investigation continues.

According to ANI, investigators have found that the brothers had booked flight tickets to Thailand at 1:17 am on December 7 – minutes after the fire broke out around midnight on December 6 – while police and fire personnel were attempting a rescue. He then flew to Phuket to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice.

The two have since moved a Delhi court seeking four weeks’ transit anticipatory bail to avoid immediate arrest upon their return to India, but failed to get the interim relief on Wednesday. The court has sought response from Goa authorities and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday.

So far, five others, including the club’s chief general manager, general manager, bar manager, gate manager and an employee, have been arrested in connection with the incident.