Goa nightclub fire: Arrested accused Ajay Gupta blames the Luthra brothers, says, "I was just..."

In the Goa nightclub fire case, the Goa Police have detained co-owner Ajay Gupta from New Delhi. A lookout notice had been issued against him. Ajay Gupta's first statement after his arrest has emerged. Gupta said, "I am just a partner. I don't know anything." Meanwhile, the nightclub owners, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, have filed a petition for anticipatory bail in a Rohini court in Delhi. The case will be heard today.

A massive fire at the Birk nightclub on Romeo Lane in Goa claimed the lives of 25 people. Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of the nightclub, has blamed the club owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, for the negligence. The Goa Police initially stated that the Luthra brothers had fled India to Thailand within hours of the fire. Police have launched efforts to bring back the absconding Luthra brothers. According to reports, the police have sought help from Interpol to bring back the two brothers who fled to Thailand. The police want to issue a Blue Corner notice against these two accused to facilitate their extradition to India.

What has emerged from the police investigation so far?

25 people lost their lives in the incident. These included 20 club staff members and five tourists who were among the last to leave the club. In its initial investigation, the police stated that the fire may have been caused by a cylinder explosion. The fire broke out around 11:45 PM. Statements from eyewitnesses and further investigation suggest that the fire may have been caused by electric firecrackers.

What action has the police taken?

Following the incident, the Goa Police arrested the club's chief general manager, Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur. An FIR was also registered against the nightclub owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, as well as the organisers. Additionally, a nightclub employee, Bharat Kohli, was arrested in Delhi.

Three senior officials of the Goa government have been suspended in connection with the case. These include a panchayat director who played a role in the opening of the nightclub in 2023. The government has constituted an inquiry panel comprising the South Goa Collector, the Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Director of the Forensic Lab. This panel will submit its report within a week.