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Saurabh (40) and Gaurav (44) Luthra, who are Delhi-based co-owners of Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, are set to be deported from Thailand soon after fleeing India just hours after 25 people died in the massive fire that broke out at their Arpora venue on December 6, 2025. The fire was caused by firecrackers set off inside during a performance, leaving the victims – mostly staff in the basement – ​​suffocated and burned, and six others injured. Amid efforts to put out the fire, pictures of Gaurav soon emerged at Phuket airport, confirming his 1:17 am IndiGo flight booking.

After being detained in Phuket on 11 December following an Interpol Blue Corner Notice, the brothers were transferred to an immigration detention center in Bangkok on 12 December for final processing. A Goa Police-CBI team is on the way to bring them back, and the deportation is expected by December 14-15 after the emergency travel certificate is issued. Their passports have been suspended by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, making them undocumented under Thai law, hastening the process of their removal.

A Delhi court on December 11 rejected his transit anticipatory bail pleas, citing “serious and serious” charges of culpable homicide (punishment for which is 5-10 years) and concealment of facts, including having an expired license and no fire clearance. The brothers claimed a pre-arranged business trip and medical problems, but the court considered their flight an attempt to escape.

Deportation vs Extradition: Speedy return without judicial hurdles
Although both facilitate repatriation, deportation and extradition are fundamentally different. Deportation is an administrative immigration enforcement by the host country (Thailand) for violations such as illegal documentation, bypassing the courts for quick execution – often within a few days. Extradition under the 2013 India-Thailand treaty is a judicial process that requires a formal request from India, proof of “dual criminality” (an offense punishable by ≥1 year in both countries), and Thai court approval – which can potentially take years, as seen in cases such as Nirav Modi. The authorities here are giving priority to deportation for speed, so that the formalities of treaty can be avoided. #### Investigation reveals serious security flaws

Goa’s magistrate inquiry highlighted violations: construction of flammable wood/bamboo at an illegal salt pan site (despite a stay on demolition notice in 2024), absence of fire escape routes/fire extinguishers, fireworks without permits, and narrow access roads that were delaying fire trucks by up to 400 metres. Three officials were suspended for allowing operations to take place despite lapses. Four employees, including the manager, were arrested; Charges will be filed against Luthra when he returns. PM Modi announces ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for each deceased; CM Sawant added ₹5 lakh more, and promised audit of all locations.

The tragedy highlights Goa’s nightlife regulatory shortcomings, making Luthra’s return to justice crucial.