Goa fire: Not in control of operations, third party performer brought own equipment, bail plea of nightclub owner in Delhi court
Goa nightclub fire case, Luthra brothers bail plea: Luthra brothers, residents of Delhi moved court, seeking transit anticipatory bail in the case registered in connection with the fire tragedy at the nightclub on December 6 which killed 25 persons.
Luthra brothers, owners of Goa nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, where a devastating fire took place on December 6, on Wednesday claimed that “an external third-party performer” was allegedly performing at the restaurant on December 6, when a raging fire snuffed out 25 lives.
The plea filed by Saurabh Luthra claims that the performer “brought her own equipment, staff”, and did not use any flammable material.
The brothers, residents of Delhi moved court seeking bail in the case registered in connection with the fire tragedy at the nightclub on December 6 which killed 25 persons. The cases are listed for hearing before additional sessions judge Vandana.
Run more than 27 restaurants/establishments all over India and in all places there are operational managers to run the day-to-day operations who carry out regulatory compliances.
An external third-party performer was allegedly performing at the restaurant on December 6 who bought her own equipment, staff and did not use any flammable material.
Don’t have any personal knowledge about the fire.
Frequent traveller and regularly travel to potential restaurant sites within and outside India, sometimes even on short notice.
Travelled to Thailand on December 6 for a business meeting in connection with his professional engagements and potential restaurant sites.
Doing everything possible to aid the victims, case falls within the category of “rare and exceptional” grant transit anticipatory bail and that he protection to ensure that pre-trial arrest.
No useful purpose would be served by arresting him upon his return to India.
The offence under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) BNS is not made out at all.
Offences under Sections 125 (endangering human life or safety through rash or negligent behaviour) and 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) are not made.
Not in control of the operations at the restaurant and there is no specific role that can be attributed to them.
Withdraw look out circular, wish to join the investigation and extend full co-operation.
Return to Delhi from Thailand and then to Goa is impaired by the issuance of the LOC.
Bulldozing a restaurant named Romeo Lane, Vagator in Goa by authorities on December 9 owned by a company in which he is a director shows the vindictive nature.
Give undertaking not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
Ready to abide by any condition the court imposes to grant transit anticipatory bail.
Will apply for anticipatory bail before the jurisdictional court if and when granted bail.
After hearing the pleas for interim relief, additional sessions judge Vandana’s order said, “Considering the submissions, an opportunity is given to file the reply and matter is adjourned for 11.12.2025 at 12.00 pm.”
Vineet Upadhyay is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, where he leads specialized coverage of the Indian judicial system.
Expertise
Specialized Legal Authority: Vineet has spent the better part of his career analyzing the intricacies of the law. His expertise lies in "demystifying" judgments from the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, and District Courts. His reporting covers a vast spectrum of legal issues, including:
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Criminal Justice & Enforcement: Detailed coverage of high-profile cases involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED), NIA, and POCSO matters.
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Over a Decade of Professional Experience: Prior to joining The Indian Express, he served as a Principal Correspondent/Legal Reporter for The Times of India and held significant roles at The New Indian Express. His tenure has seen him report from critical legal hubs, including Delhi and Uttarakhand. ... Read More
