The owners of a nightclub in Goa, India, where a devastating fire killed 25 people on Sunday, fled the country hours after the tragedy, police have said. Indian authorities confirmed the two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, boarded a flight to Phuket in Thailand shortly after the incident. Investigators believe the fierce blaze was triggered by fireworks being set off inside the venue, Birch By Romeo Lane, which is located in a busy nightlife area of Goa, a coastal state popular with domestic and international tourists. The majority of the victims were staff members, while four were holidaymakers visiting from Delhi. Five people are still being treated in hospital. Police have appealed to Interpol for help to find and arrest the Luthra brothers. Police said they travelled to Delhi to carry out a raid on the men's home, but discovered they had left the country. 'It shows their intent to avoid police investigation,' Goa police said in a statement. Saurabh Luthra, whose social media identifies him as the chairman of the company which operates the club, posted a statement on social media expressing 'profound grief', but did not reference his whereabouts. In this hour the irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity,' Monday's post said. It added that 'management' would provide 'assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved.' His brother Gaurav Luthra has not commented publicly. At least four people were arrested in the immediate aftermath of the fire, including the venue's manager. The Birch nightclub in Arpora, an area with several high-end nightlife businesses, was packed with customers who had come to hear a Bollywood DJ when the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning. Eyewitnesses have described scenes of total panic, as people tried to flee. The main section of the venue is built on an island in the middle of a lake, which visitors accessed via narrow walkways - a layout that made it difficult for firefighters to tackle the blaze. Part of the venue was entirely destroyed. Police initially said an exploding gas canister was the cause but now believe it was due to pyrotechnics igniting wooden ceiling beams. Several of the victims were migrant workers who had traveled to Goa to find employment, including four Nepalese nationals. Among those who died were two brothers who were both engaged to be married next year, and four members of the same Delhi family. The police said the bodies of all the victims had been returned to their families.
Nightclub Owners Flee to Thailand After Goa Fire Claims 25 Lives

Nightclub Owners Flee to Thailand After Goa Fire Claims 25 Lives
The owners of a nightclub in Goa have fled to Thailand just hours after a devastating fire killed 25 people, including staff and tourists. Authorities are now seeking their arrest.
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, left for Phuket shortly after a tragic fire incident that resulted in 25 deaths. Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by fireworks igniting ceiling beams. Police are seeking Interpol's help to locate the brothers, while grief deepens for the victims' families.



















