The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday cancelled the bail granted to Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, where a fire in December 2025 claimed 25 lives.
Justice Neela Gokhale allowed the appeal filed by the State of Goa challenging the bail orders passed by the Additional Sessions Court at Mapusa.
The High Court directed all three accused to surrender before the authorities within two weeks. However, it granted them liberty to approach the Sessions Court afresh by filing new bail applications.
The case arises from a fire that broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, on the night of December 6, 2025. The blaze killed 25 people.
According to the police investigation, the establishment was operating without valid safety clearances and adequate firefighting equipment. The fire was allegedly triggered by an indoor fire show conducted without necessary safety precautions. Police have also alleged that the restaurant was operating without a valid trade licence.
The Luthra brothers reportedly fled to Thailand within hours of the incident. They were subsequently deported to India and arrested by the Goa Police.
The three accused, along with other partners, the club manager, event organisers and staff, have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, acts endangering life and negligent conduct relating to fire, read with common intention.
The police are also conducting a separate probe into allegations that the owners forged documents to illegally obtain operating licences for the establishment.
The High Court’s decision to cancel the bail comes while the investigation into the nightclub fire and the alleged regulatory violations continues.
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