Goa, Dec 26: As many as eight people have been arrested so far in connection with the devastating fire at a North Goa nightclub that claimed 25 lives, while police have moved to issue an international notice against a British national who has fled abroad.
Anjuna police have initiated the process for issuing a Blue Corner Notice against Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British citizen accused in the case who is believed to be in the United Kingdom, officials said on Friday.
The investigation centers on the Dec. 6 blaze at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village, one of the deadliest fire incidents in Goa’s recent history.
Among those arrested are nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, whose police custody was extended till Dec. 29 by a Mapusa court earlier in the day.
“The accused have been cooperating with the investigation,” said their advocate, Parag Rao. “They have no objection to continued custody for further questioning.”
Police said the brothers were not present at the nightclub when the fire erupted. However, investigators are examining safety violations, licensing issues and the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
The Luthras had left India for Thailand shortly after the fire but were deported and returned on Dec. 17.
Authorities said efforts are continuing to trace all those allegedly involved, including individuals who may have played a role in managing the venue or overseeing safety arrangements on the night of the incident.
