Luthra Brothers Caught in Thailand, Seen in Photos With Hands Tied

Luthra Brothers Caught in Thailand, Seen in Photos With Hands Tied

Phuket / New Delhi, Dec 11, 2025 — Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been detained by Thai authorities in Phuket after fleeing India in the aftermath of a deadly fire that claimed 25 lives. Photographs and visuals from the scene show the brothers with their hands tied, apparently put in restraints by Thai police as they were taken into custody. 

The detentions occurred on Thursday morning at a resort in Phuket after Indian authorities issued an international alert and coordinated with Thai law enforcement to apprehend the men. Officials confirmed that their passports had been suspended by the Government of India, making their stay in Thailand unlawful.

Photos Capture Moment of Arrest

In exclusive photos circulated by news outlets, Saurabh and Gaurav are seen standing with their passports in hand and their wrists bound with zip-ties, flanked by Thai officials at an immigration centre. These images mark the first visual confirmation of their detention since the blaze in Goa. 

Background: Deadly Goa Nightclub Fire

The Luthra brothers own the popular Romeo Lane chain, including the Birch nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. Last weekend, the venue was engulfed in flames, killing 25 people — including tourists and staff. The tragedy triggered nationwide outrage over fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in entertainment venues. 

Flight to Thailand and Legal Moves

Investigators revealed that the brothers left India shortly after the fire. Surveillance shows they booked flights to Phuket just hours after the blaze began, with family lawyers later filing for transit anticipatory bail in a Delhi court, asserting that their trip was for business and not an attempt to evade law enforcement. However, the court refused immediate relief. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by suspending their passports and issuing lookout notices. Interpol also issued a Blue Corner Notice to assist international agencies in locating the suspects.

Next Steps: Deportation and Trial in India

Thai authorities are moving to deport the Luthra brothers back to India where they are expected to face charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. A Goa Police team is set to travel to Thailand to take custody of the duo once deportation formalities are complete. 

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has vowed that the brothers “will be brought to justice and put behind bars,” underscoring the state’s commitment to accountability for the tragedy.