Goa Nightclub Fire: Co-Owner Detained as Death Toll Reaches 25

Delhi, December 10, 2025 — In a significant development following the devastating Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire, Goa Police have apprehended Ajay Gupta, one of the establishment's four co-owners, in Delhi. The detention brings the total number of individuals in custody to six as investigators work to uncover the full extent of negligence that led to one of Goa's deadliest tragedies.

The Tragedy That Shook Goa

The fire that engulfed the popular nightclub on the night of December 6 claimed 25 lives, sending shockwaves through the coastal state's hospitality industry. What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into an inferno, raising serious questions about fire safety protocols and regulatory oversight in entertainment venues.

Manhunt Concludes in the Capital

Gupta's detention came after Goa Police issued a Look-Out Circular when he went into hiding following the incident. A police team initially attempted to locate him at his Delhi residence but found the premises empty. After intensified efforts, authorities successfully traced and detained him in the national capital.

"Just a Sleeping Partner"

When confronted by investigators, Gupta distanced himself from the operational aspects of the nightclub. He claimed to be merely a "sleeping partner" with no knowledge of the safety lapses that contributed to the tragedy. According to sources, Gupta has pointed fingers at the absconding primary owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, suggesting they were responsible for the establishment's day-to-day operations and safety measures.

His defense strategy appears to rest on limited involvement in management decisions, though investigators are expected to scrutinize this claim as they build their case.

The Growing Web of Accountability

The investigation has already ensnared several key figures:

Currently Arrested:

• Rajiv Modak, Chief General Manager
• Vivek Singh, General Manager
• Rajiv Singhania, Bar Manager
• Riyanshu Thakur, Gate Manager
• Bharat Kohli, Employee

On the Run: The primary owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Thailand in the aftermath of the fire. In response, Interpol has issued a blue corner notice against both brothers, a mechanism used to locate, identify, or obtain information on persons of interest in criminal investigations.

Another co-owner, Surinder Khosla, who holds British citizenship, is also being sought by authorities. A Look Out Circular has been issued to prevent his departure from the country if he attempts to leave.

What Happens Next

Gupta is expected to be formally arrested and transported to Goa, where he will face questioning alongside the other detained individuals. The investigation is focusing on multiple angles, including fire safety compliance, emergency exit protocols, building permissions, and whether the establishment was operating within legal parameters.

The case has sparked broader conversations about regulatory enforcement in Goa's thriving nightlife sector. State authorities have announced comprehensive safety audits of entertainment venues across the region, with officials promising stricter enforcement of fire safety norms.

Questions That Demand Answers

As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, several critical questions remain unanswered:

• Were mandatory fire safety certificates current and legitimate?
• Why were emergency exits reportedly inadequate or blocked?
• What role did each owner play in operational decisions?
• Were previous safety violations ignored or overlooked?

The tragedy has exposed potential gaps in oversight mechanisms, with victims' families demanding justice and systemic reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.

A Community in Mourning

Beyond the legal proceedings, the human cost of this tragedy continues to reverberate through communities. The 25 victims included both locals and tourists who had gathered at what was considered one of Goa's premium entertainment destinations. Memorial services have been held, and support has poured in from across the country for the affected families.

As the investigation deepens, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure accountability at every level and to implement measures that will make such a catastrophe impossible to repeat.