In a significant development in the investigation into the tragic nightclub fire in North Goa, the Goa Police have successfully obtained a transit remand for the two owners of the establishment. The Delhi court has granted the police permission to transport the accused brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, to Goa for further questioning.
Court Grants 48-Hour Transit Remand
After reviewing the police submissions, Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Chawla at Delhi's Patiala House Court approved the transit remand application. However, the court specifically limited the remand period to 48 hours from the time the accused are taken into custody for the journey. The magistrate emphasized that the investigating officer must ensure the safe and secure transit of the accused and produce them before the competent court in Goa immediately upon arrival.
The court noted that at this preliminary stage, there is sufficient material to indicate the involvement of the accused in the case. It was also recorded that the accused were medically fit to travel, and the police were directed to provide all necessary prescribed medicines and medical care during the transit period.
Police Outline Critical Need for Custody
In their submissions to the court, the Goa Police presented a compelling argument for why the physical presence of the Luthra brothers in Goa is essential. They stated that the investigation has reached a critical stage where several key pieces of evidence are yet to be recovered. This includes crucial documents such as licences, event permissions, and internal communications related to the club's operations.
The police informed the court that Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra are the principal owners and partners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' located in Arpora, North Goa. They asserted that the brothers held full control over the club's operations, safety arrangements, and events conducted on the premises.
Allegations of Negligence and Aftermath
The police case hinges on allegations of severe negligence. It was submitted that on December 6, a fireworks event was organized at the nightclub without proper care, caution, or adequate firefighting equipment. This lapse, according to the police, led to a massive fire that resulted in the death of 25 persons, including staff and tourists, and caused serious injuries to several others.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the police pointed out that the accused had allegedly absconded abroad after the incident. They were only arrested upon their return to India. Visuals from early Wednesday morning at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport showed the two brothers in police custody following their deportation from Thailand and subsequent arrest by a Goa Police team.
Following the court order, Advocate Surjendu Shankar Das, representing the State of Goa, confirmed that the transit remand had been granted and that both accused would be taken to Goa for the next phase of the investigation. The police maintain that the full conspiracy behind the devastating incident is yet to be unearthed.
