Fugitive businessmen Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, wanted in connection with the December 7 blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa that claimed 25 lives, informed a Delhi court on Wednesday that they were not involved in the nightclub’s daily functioning and alleged that authorities were acting against them with “vindictive” intent.
The brothers, who are currently in Thailand and face an Interpol Blue Corner Notice, said they were unwilling to return to India without legal protection as they feared arrest.
Their plea stated, “The applicant and his partners operate from Delhi and do not run the day-to-day operations. The day-to-day operations are managed by the on-ground/restaurant managers.”
Senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir appeared for the duo and argued that the brothers wanted to return but required interim protection so they could approach the Goa courts directly.
“I am saying I want to come back to India, they want to arrest me. I am seeking relief to come back to this country and approach court in goa that does not prejudice them unless they don't want to come. It is unfortunate people passed away, but witch hunting is what i am concerned about,” their counsel told the court.
Although police had earlier said that the Luthras left for Thailand within five hours of the fire, Saurabh claimed otherwise in his plea, stating he had already travelled abroad.
“On December 6, the applicant travelled to Thailand for a business meeting in connection with his professional engagements and potential restaurant sites,” senior advocate Sidharth Luthra told the court.
The plea also highlighted the demolition of their second club in Goa, calling it evidence of “the vindictive nature of the actions of the authorities against the applicant.”
The structure was razed after Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant ordered immediate demolition, citing illegal construction and the absence of safety measures.
Meanwhile, the Rohini Court in Delhi has asked the Goa government to file its response to the brothers’ transit anticipatory bail plea.
The matter is expected to be taken up again tomorrow.