Gaurav Luthra in Thailand: First Picture of Goa's Birch Nightclub Owner Surfaces Amid Manhunt

 As Goa Police continues their investigations into the Birch nightclub tragedy, the picture of Gaurav Luthra, one of the owners of the club, has surfaced from Thailand. Gaurav, along with his brother Saurabh Luthra, with whom he owns the nightclub, has been absconding ever since the massive fire at the club claimed the lives of 25 people and a blue corner notice had also been issued against them by the Goa Police.

Why are the Luthra brother on the run?

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, are the main accused in the fire incident at Arpora, Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane club which killed 25 people on Saturday. Goa Police registered an FIR (First Information Report) against them charging them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other sections related to endangering lives and negligent handling of fire. The allegations against them includes:

• Absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department.
• Inadequate emergency exits, with small doors and a narrow bridge severely hampering escape.
• The fire was allegedly triggered by electric firecrackers hitting a wooden ceiling during a performance, indicating negligence in the use of combustible material.

The brother were also quick to flee the country after the news of the incident broke out leading the authorities to believe that they had every intention to evade the police investigation. 

Earlier today, the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant had also ordered the demolition of yet another club owned by the Luthra brothers on the Vagator beach of Goa. The order came after evidence were discovered suggesting that the property lacked necessary fire safety, structural, and environmental approvals.