PANAJI (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) — Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the fire-damaged Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, are set to be released from jail after a Goa court granted them bail in a forgery case today. Having already secured bail in the separate case involving the devastating December 2025 fire, the brothers have now cleared the final legal hurdle for their immediate release.
The Final Bail: Forgery of Health NOC
The forgery case was a significant secondary investigation that surfaced during the probe into the club’s licensing.
- Court Order: Judicial Magistrate First Class (Mapusa) Jude Sequeira granted regular bail to the duo on Wednesday.
- The Allegations: The brothers were accused of using a forged No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Candolim Primary Health Centre to obtain an excise license.
- The Complaint: The health officer of the center filed the FIR, alleging his signature was fabricated and false entries were made in the official register to facilitate the club’s operations.
- Release Conditions: The court has directed the brothers to report to the Mapusa police station for the next five days as part of their bail conditions.
Background: The Arpora Nightclub Tragedy
The legal saga began following one of Goa’s deadliest fire incidents in recent history.
| Milestone | Date | Status / Details |
| The Blaze | December 6, 2025 | 25 people killed (mostly staff) and 50 injured during a fire show at the club. |
| The Escape | December 7, 2025 | The brothers fled to Thailand hours after the incident. |
| The Arrest | December 17, 2025 | The duo was deported from Thailand and arrested by Anjuna Police. |
| First Bail | April 1, 2026 | Granted bail in the “Culpable Homicide” case but remained in jail for forgery. |
| Second Bail | April 8, 2026 | Granted bail in the forgery case; set for release. |
Investigation Findings: “A Death Trap”
The magisterial inquiry and police probe into the December 6 incident revealed a staggering series of safety violations:
- Illegal Expansion: The establishment originally operated as a temporary shed but was converted into a multi-level nightclub without approved building plans.
- Missing Exits: The club lacked mandatory emergency exit doors on both the ground floor and the first-floor deck.
- Cause of Fire: Preliminary reports indicate that sparks from improperly used indoor electrical firecrackers (pyro guns) ignited dried palm leaves used for decoration.
- Administrative Action: The state government has already dismissed the Arpora village panchayat sarpanch and secretary for “persistent negligence” in allowing the club to operate without valid permits.
Sources
- NDTV Profit: “Goa Nightclub Fire: Luthra Brothers Get Bail In Forgery Case” (April 8, 2026).
- The Times of India: “Goa nightclub fire tragedy: Luthra brothers to walk out of jail” (April 8, 2026).
- The Hindu: “Luthra brothers get bail in Goa nightclub fire case, to remain in jail” (April 1, 2026).
- Wikipedia: “2025 Arpora nightclub fire” (Comprehensive incident log).
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