The vibrant nightlife of Goa, India, was shattered last weekend by a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 25 people. The inferno erupted at a popular nightclub in Arpora, a tourist hotspot, with “electrical firecrackers” believed to be the tragic trigger. Most victims, including four Nepali citizens, were staff members who tragically suffocated in the basement and kitchen areas as wooden parts of the club quickly went up in flames.
But the horror didn’t end with the blaze. In a startling turn of events, the club’s owners, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, reportedly fled the country just hours after the tragedy. Police confirmed the brothers boarded an Indigo flight to Phuket, Thailand, on December 7th. When authorities later raided their New Delhi home, they found it empty.
Goa police are not mincing words, stating that the brothers’ hasty departure “shows their intent to avoid police investigation.” They have now formally appealed to Interpol for assistance in tracking down Saurabh and Gaurav. While Saurabh Luthra posted a message online expressing “profound grief” and promising support to victims’ families, his whereabouts remain unknown, adding another layer of controversy to this heartbreaking incident.
This event casts a dark shadow over Goa’s bustling tourism and highlights a serious issue prevalent in India: the dangers of poor building practices, overcrowding, and lax safety enforcement that often lead to tragic fires. While four arrests have been made and safety checks ordered for other establishments, the search for the Luthra brothers continues, as the community and families of the victims await answers and justice.
Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/india-goa-nightclub-fire-owners-flee-to-thailand
