Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Apr 8: In a significant development in the Goa nightclub fire case, a local court has granted bail to brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, in connection with a forgery and cheating case.

The duo is accused of forging a no-objection certificate (NOC) from a health centre to secure excise and other licences for operating the nightclub, where a devastating fire on December 6 last year claimed 25 lives.

The court granted bail on a bond of Rs 50,000 each, paving the way for their release from custody. This comes days after a Sessions Court had also granted them bail in the main fire case, where they face charges of culpable homicide.

According to the Goa Police chargesheet filed against 13 accused, including the Luthra brothers, the tragedy was a result of gross negligence and failure to follow mandatory safety norms, leading to irreparable loss of lives.

Investigations revealed that the brothers allegedly fled the country hours after the incident, boarding a flight from Delhi to Phuket shortly after the blaze. They were later deported to India and arrested.

The forgery case was registered based on a complaint by a health officer, alleging impersonation and falsification of official documents to obtain approvals.

During the earlier bail hearing in the fire case, the court observed that the charges do not fall under the “gravest category” such as murder, and noted that prolonged detention without timely trial could amount to pre-trial punishment.

The case continues to be under investigation, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming days.