The owners of a nightclub in Goa where a fire killed 25 people on Sunday fled India hours after the tragedy, police said Tuesday.
Indian authorities confirmed that two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, boarded a flight to Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the blaze broke out at Birch By Romeo Lane, a popular venue in the coastal tourist region.
“It shows their intent to avoid police investigation,” Goa police stated.
Investigators believe the fire—which left five people hospitalized—was sparked by indoor fireworks. Most of the victims were staff members; four were tourists from Delhi.
In a social media post on Monday, Saurabh Luthra expressed “profound grief” and said the management offered “heartfelt condolences” and would provide support to families. He did not address his location. His brother has not commented publicly.
Police have sought Interpol’s assistance in locating and arresting the brothers after a raid on their Delhi home found they had already left the country. At least four other people, including the club’s manager, were arrested in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
By James Kisoo
