Sixth Arrest in Goa Nightclub Fire Case
Ajay Gupta, co-owner of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, held as manhunt for two others continues
- Goa Police arrest nightclub co-owner Ajay Gupta after issuing LOC
- Two other owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, remain absconding; blue corner notice issued
- Total six arrests so far, including top managerial staff
- Fire at Arpora nightclub killed 25 people on Saturday night
GG News Bureau
Arpora, 10th Dec: The Goa Police on Tuesday arrested Ajay Gupta, one of the four co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives late Saturday night. Gupta was detained after a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him and another owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla.
A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, calling Gupta the sixth person to be taken into custody in the ongoing investigation. “An LOC was issued against him as a police team failed to locate him at his Delhi residence. He was later traced in the national capital,” the spokesperson said.
Two of the remaining owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, are currently absconding. Authorities have issued a blue corner notice to track their movements internationally.
Police have already arrested several senior staff members of the nightclub, including chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and employee Bharat Kohli.
The fire, which broke out around midnight on Saturday at the popular Arpora-based establishment, led to the deaths of 25 individuals. Investigations into the cause of the blaze and alleged lapses in safety compliance are underway, as police continue their crackdown on those responsible.
