Luthra brother hospitalised with chest pain, Goa court hearing in limbo

A North Goa court on Wednesday ordered a fresh medical examination of nightclub co-owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, days after they were brought back to India in connection with the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane fire that killed 25 people.

The brothers were deported from Thailand and handed over to Indian authorities following an international manhunt that began after the tragic fire in Arpora on December 6.

Upon arrival in Goa, one of the brothers complained of chest pain and uneasiness, as reported by the Times of India. The accused was first taken to the Siolim Health Centre for a routine medical check and is now being moved to the North Goa District Hospital for further treatment and stabilisation.

It remains uncertain whether the medical issue will affect their scheduled court appearance in Goa today.

How did the goa fire start?

Initially, authorities suspected that a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder might have caused the deadly nightclub fire. But early investigations have now ruled that out. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze was triggered by indoor electrical firecrackers that were used improperly inside the club. The sparks from these devices quickly set off the fire. Narrow exit routes also made it difficult for people to escape.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “Preliminary reports suggest the fire was caused by indoor firecrackers. Strict action will be taken against those responsible.”

How the Luthra brotheres escaped to Thailand overnight

After the fire, co‑owners of the nightclub, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra quickly left the country. Within hours of the blaze, the brothers boarded an IndiGo flight to Phuket, Thailand, departing India in the early morning of December 7, just a few hours after the fire broke out.

Goa police issued a Look‑Out Circular and coordinated with Interpol, which issued a Blue Corner Notice to trace the brothers abroad. At the same time, the Regional Passport Office in New Delhi moved to suspend their passports under the Passports Act, making their stay in Thailand unlawful.

Thai authorities detained the duo in Phuket after they were spotted outside their hotel. Since India and Thailand have an extradition treaty, officials were able to expedite their return, technically through deportation rather than formal extradition.