From Luxury to Lock-Up: The Custody Journey of the Luthra Brothers After the Goa Club Fire Tragedy
From Luxury to Lock-Up: Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the popular nightlife venue Birch by Romeo Lane located in Arpor, Goa, have found themselves at the center of a major criminal investigation following the tragic fire incident that claimed 25 lives on December 6. After being deported from Thailand, the brothers spent the night of December 17 in the Anjuna police lock-up, marking a sharp contrast from the affluent lifestyle they were once known for.
Life Inside the Anjuna Police Lock-Up
The sudden transition from luxury to confinement has been stark for the Luthra brothers. According to official sources, their first night in custody was spent under basic conditions. They were provided a simple meal consisting of rice, dal, and pickle. There were no fans in the cell, and both men reportedly slept on the floor without any mat or blanket. Authorities confirmed that they would remain in police custody until Monday as investigations continue.
Ongoing Police Interrogation
Local police officials have initiated an extensive interrogation process to understand the circumstances leading to the deadly club fire. Investigators questioned the brothers for several hours, covering a wide range of topics including the operational structure of the club, roles played by associates, decision-making authority, financial transactions, event permissions, and the involvement of partners, managers, and event organizers. More than 80 questions were reportedly posed to the accused to piece together the chain of responsibility behind the incident.
Medical Examination and Fitness for Detention
As part of standard legal procedure, one of the brothers, Saurabh Luthra, was taken to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa on December 18 for a medical examination. This step was taken to assess his physical condition before continued detention. Medical professionals conducted the required tests and officially declared him fit for custody. Following certification, he was returned to the police lock-up without any special medical exemptions.
Clarification on Special Treatment Allegations
Authorities have firmly denied claims that the Luthra brothers are receiving any preferential treatment during their detention. Senior officials stated that the only additional arrangement made was the presence of a designated staff member responsible for administering prescribed medication at scheduled times. This provision was implemented strictly under a court directive and does not amount to special privileges. Officials also clarified that the brothers are being housed in a separate cell to prevent any possibility of influencing other detainees or interfering with the ongoing investigation.
Legal Defense and Request for Medical Accommodations
The defense team, led by advocate PV Pvithran, submitted a request to the court seeking mattresses for the accused, citing medical issues. According to the defense, Saurabh suffers from a spinal disc condition, while Gaurav reportedly has a tailbone-related problem. The defense argued that sleeping on the floor could aggravate their health issues and sought temporary relief in the form of basic bedding.
Court’s Decision and Medical Evaluation Outcome
The request faced strong opposition from Assistant Public Prosecutor Tejas Pawar, who questioned the seriousness of the claimed medical conditions. The prosecutor pointed out that both brothers had recently undertaken international travel to Thailand, suggesting that their health issues were not severe enough to warrant special treatment. To ensure fairness, Judicial Magistrate First Class Puja Sardesai ordered a comprehensive medical evaluation at a government-run hospital.
Following detailed examinations at the North Goa District Hospital, doctors concluded that both individuals were medically fit for standard detention conditions. Based on the medical report, the court dismissed the request for mattresses, stating that the clinical findings did not justify any deviation from standard custody norms. Consequently, the Luthra brothers were remanded back to police custody under regular conditions.
Broader Implications of the Case
The investigation into the Birch by Romeo Lane fire has drawn significant public attention, raising broader questions about safety compliance, event management, and accountability within the nightlife industry. As the probe continues, authorities have emphasized that the law will take its course without bias, ensuring transparency and justice for the victims and their families.