(Image source from: Ndtv.com)
The process of returning the Luthra brothers from Thailand has started because of the tragic fire at their nightclub in Goa. Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra escaped the country just hours after the incident occurred at their venue named 'Birch by Romeo Lane' in Arpora. They were later arrested by Thai officials in Phuket after India requested their capture. The Luthras are now in Bangkok, held at the Suan Phlu Immigration Detection Centre by Thai authorities. They will stay at the immigration facility until the necessary deportation procedures are completed. An Indian law enforcement team is expected to take the accused siblings into custody shortly. The Indian embassy will issue an emergency travel document to facilitate their return since their passports have been canceled, posing a significant overstay problem.
Following this, they will be placed on a plane back to India. They are anticipated to arrive by Monday. The whole operation is being managed by the Indian foreign ministry, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), working alongside the Royal Thai Police and the Thai government. Once back in India, the brothers, who operate restaurants in Delhi, will face charges related to unintentional homicide and negligence due to the nightclub incident. Their plea for preventive bail was denied by a Delhi court. The Luthras' deportation comes after several days of diplomatic and law enforcement negotiations between India and Thailand. To capture them, the Indian government invalidated their passports, which complicated their immigration status. In parallel, Interpol issued blue corner notices labeling them as suspects for supposed violations of nightclub operating regulations.
Soon, the Thai immigration officials apprehended the brothers in their hotel room and released images showing them with bound hands while holding their passports. The tragedy, which took place on a holiday weekend, resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals and left six injured. The fire broke out after midnight during a music event at the nightclub. Around 100 people, predominantly tourists, were enjoying themselves at that time. It is suspected that electric firecrackers triggered the blaze. The extensive use of flammable materials in the club’s decorations created a hazardous environment. There were alarming breaches of fire safety regulations, and no working extinguishers were present, leading to criticism of the club management.
