New Delhi: Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, the brothers who co-owned the Goa nightclub where 25 people died in a fire on December 6, were taken into custody on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand.

The two landed in Delhi and were immediately handed over to Indian authorities at the airport. Sources said they will be produced before a court as legal proceedings in the case move forward.

The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, located in Arpora, North Goa, triggered nationwide outrage and raised serious concerns over fire safety violations. Investigators allege the nightclub was operating without following mandatory safety norms, which contributed to the high death toll.

A case of culpable homicide and negligence has been registered against the brothers — Gaurav (44) and Saurabh (40). Police officials said further arrests are possible as the investigation continues. So far, five managers and staff members of the nightclub have already been arrested.

How were the Luthra brothers arrested?

The brothers had left India shortly after the incident and were detained in Phuket, Thailand, on December 11 following coordination between Indian authorities and the Indian mission. Their passports were cancelled, and an Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued to trace their whereabouts.

The Indian government submitted a formal request to Thai authorities seeking their deportation, citing evidence linking them to the deaths. India and Thailand have an extradition treaty, which has been in force since 2015.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has converted a civil case related to the nightclub into a public interest litigation, observing that “someone has to be held accountable” for the tragedy.