The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a significant search operation on Friday, targeting nine locations across Goa and Delhi. This action is directly connected to the devastating inferno at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, which claimed the lives of twenty-five individuals on December 6, 2025.
Targets of the ED Raids
The searches were conducted at both residential and office premises belonging to key figures in the case. These include Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane establishment, along with their business partner, Ajay Gupta. The ED confirmed that the operation spanned approximately nine locations in Delhi and Goa.
Specific Premises Searched
Among the locations raided were properties at Outram Lanes in Kingsway Camp, Tatvam Villas in Gurugram, and other sites. Additionally, the ED teams searched the premises of former sarpanch Roshan Redkar and former panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar in Goa. These individuals are accused of facilitating and issuing illegal trade licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to the nightclub.
Money Laundering Investigation
A crucial aspect of the investigation involves examining the money-laundering angle. ED officials were present at the premises of UK national Surinder Kumar Khosla to investigate allegations concerning the illegal conversion of khazan land, which is salt pan land, where the Birch by Romeo Lane was situated. This land conversion is suspected to be linked to financial irregularities.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against the Luthra brothers, Ajay Gupta, and Surinder Kumar Khosla. This investigation is being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), initiated based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Goa police.
In a parallel development, the Goa police have arrested a total of eleven people in connection with the fire tragedy. This group includes the Luthra brothers, Gupta, Redkar, and Bagkar. Out of these eleven individuals, three have been granted bail: a driver, a gate manager, and a bar manager.
International Cooperation
To apprehend the UK national involved, the Goa police have approached Interpol through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They are seeking a blue corner notice against Surinder Kumar Khosla to aid in his capture and extradition processes.
Details of the Tragic Fire
When the fire erupted at the nightclub around 11:45 PM on December 6, 2025, more than 150 tourists were present, attending an event. Preliminary investigations conducted by the police and the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services concluded that the fire started after electric firecrackers struck the wooden ceiling during the event, leading to the rapid spread of flames.
Separate Forgery Case
In a related but separate case, the Mapusa police have registered an FIR concerning the alleged forgery of a health officer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC). This document was used to obtain an excise license for the nightclub. According to the FIR filed at the Mapusa police station, Dr. Roshan Nazareth, the health officer at the Candolim Primary Health Centre, stated that before December 13, 2025, authorized persons from Birch by Romeo Lane, which is operated by Being GS Hospitality LLP (where the Luthra brothers serve as directors), impersonated him, forged his signature, and made a fraudulent entry in the register to secure a health NOC.
The ongoing investigations by both the ED and Goa police highlight the multi-faceted nature of this case, encompassing allegations of negligence, forgery, and financial crimes, all stemming from the tragic fire that resulted in significant loss of life.
