Court Denies Bail for Luthra Brothers Amid Fire Tragedy Fallout

A Delhi court has denied anticipatory bail for brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of a Goa nightclub where a devastating fire led to the deaths of 25 people on December 6. Following the incident, the brothers fled to Phuket, Thailand, and were detained by Thai authorities on Thursday. Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant indicated they are expected to be extradited to India within two to three days.

During the court proceedings, the Luthra brothers’ lawyers argued that their clients traveled to Thailand for business purposes, not to evade justice. Advocate Tanveer Ahmed Mir expressed concerns regarding the safety of the Luthras upon their return, stating, “I am not saying that the state is not authorized to take steps, but here the state is on a path of revenge.” He highlighted that their properties had been demolished, raising fears for their personal safety.

The brothers defended their trip, claiming plans to open a restaurant in Phuket that would provide jobs for Indians. They requested a four-week delay for their arrest, citing health issues, with Gaurav reportedly suffering from a neurological condition while Saurabh is epileptic.

However, Goa police contested the bail request, arguing that the medical claims were unfounded, as the brothers had not consulted a doctor. The police characterized the situation as an effort to avoid accountability, emphasizing that the Luthras were not fleeing from a fraud case amounting to ₹5,000 crore, which has been a focus of government efforts to apprehend economic fugitives.

Mir contended that the case should not be classified as homicide, framing the deaths as resulting from negligence rather than intentional actions. He criticized the legal implications being drawn against his clients, stating, “How has their leaving the country on the night of the incident become such a big crime?” He also noted that the brothers have received death threats on social media, with some messages threatening violence.

The fallout from the tragedy at the nightclub has sparked widespread outrage, and the Luthra brothers remain at the center of a complex legal and public relations battle. The court’s decision to deny bail underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding the case and the scrutiny facing those involved in the incident.