**Luthra Brothers Flee India After Tragic Fire Incident in Goa**
In a shocking turn of events, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, fled to Phuket, Thailand, just hours after a devastating fire at their establishment claimed 25 lives late Saturday night. Goa Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Varsha Sharma has refuted claims that police personnel assisted the brothers in their escape.
When questioned about potential police involvement in tipping off the Luthra brothers, Sharma suggested that the managers at Romeo may have alerted the owners immediately following the incident. “The moment we received the call, they must have also received it, and given the severity of the situation, they chose to flee,” she stated in an interview.
The Luthra brothers managed to board an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Phuket early Sunday morning, just five hours after the fire broke out. This escape occurred before a lookout circular could be issued against them at the request of the Goa Police. When asked if the police could have acted more swiftly to prevent their departure, Sharma defended her team, stating that they promptly began investigating ownership and documentation to locate the brothers.
“We immediately started looking into the ownership and took certain actions right away,” she explained. The police are currently pursuing various measures, including issuing a Lookout Circular (LOC) and a Blue Corner Notice, to facilitate the brothers’ return.
Sharma also dismissed allegations that senior IPS officers had overridden local police decisions despite being aware of illegal activities at the nightclub. “The rumor that IPS officers were shielding anyone is absolutely wrong. We have done everything possible to apprehend them, and we will succeed soon,” she asserted.
Regarding the nightclub’s operational status, Sharma noted that it is not feasible for police to monitor every establishment for compliance with permits, emphasizing that this responsibility lies with civic authorities. She maintained that her department did not fail in their duty concerning the Luthra brothers’ escape, attributing their quick departure to their familiarity with the premises and the situation.
In conclusion, the tragic fire incident has raised serious questions about safety regulations and enforcement in Goa, as authorities continue their efforts to bring the Luthra brothers to justice.
**FAQ**
**Q: What led to the Luthra brothers’ escape from India?**
A: The Luthra brothers fled to Thailand shortly after a fire at their nightclub in Goa resulted in 25 fatalities, prompting concerns about police involvement and regulatory oversight.
