Breaking News Live Updates: Indian officials fly to Thailand to bring back owners of Goa nightclub

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra—who fled India after a fire at their Goa nightclub killed 25 people—were detained on Thursday morning. The owners of the Romeo Lane chain, which has outlets across India and abroad, had flown to Phuket just hours after the blaze erupted at their North Goa club, Birch by Romeo Lane, last Saturday night.

Exclusive images show the brothers in custody, holding their passports. Government sources told PTI that the detentions clear the way for their deportation to India within 24 hours, and Indian officials are already en route to Thailand to bring them back.

Both Saurabh and Gaurav have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as well as negligence. Their arrests come shortly after their passports were suspended, effectively preventing them from leaving Phuket.

Investigations have revealed that the brothers booked their Phuket tickets while emergency crews were still battling the fire and trying to rescue people trapped inside the club.

Meanwhile, Ajay Gupta—who has claimed to be a silent partner and investor in the nightclub—was arrested and brought back to Goa from Delhi on a transit remand for questioning. Goa Police reached Manohar International Airport in Mopa with Gupta around 9:45 pm on Wednesday and took him to the Anjuna police station for further investigation, an official said.

Here are the latest updates following the Luthra brothers’ detention:

Live updates

Goa nightclub fire