NEW DELHI/GOA – In a dramatic international manhunt conclusion, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the billionaire duo behind the famous “Romeo Lane” franchise, have been extradited from Thailand and arrested in connection with the horrific Goa club fire that claimed 25 lives.
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🚨 Breaking: Fugitive Luthra Brothers Extradited; Arrested at Delhi Airport ✈️
The wings of the high-flying Luthra brothers were finally clipped on Tuesday, December 16, as Goa Police took custody of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra immediately upon their arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. The owners of the ill-fated Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, Goa, had been on the run since a devastating fire turned their luxury establishment into a graveyard ten days ago.
The brothers, who allegedly fled to Thailand shortly after the blaze to evade local authorities, were tracked down in Phuket following the issuance of a Look-out Circular (LOC) and an Interpol Blue Corner Notice. Their arrival in India marks a pivotal moment in a case that has sparked nationwide outrage over corporate negligence and the safety of India’s nightlife hubs.
🔥 The Arpora Tragedy: 25 Lives Lost in a “Fiery Death Trap” 🕯️
On the night of December 6, what was supposed to be a night of celebration at Birch by Romeo Lane turned into a nightmare. Reports suggest that the fire was ignited by unauthorized indoor fireworks used during a performance. The flames spread with lethal speed, fueled by flammable interior decor, wooden furniture, and a lack of proper ventilation.
- The Victim Count: Out of the 25 deceased, 20 were identified as club staff members, while 5 were tourists.
- Safety Violations: Preliminary investigations reveal the club lacked adequate fire exits and functional firefighting equipment.
- The Escape: As the building burned, the Luthra brothers reportedly managed to exit the country, leaving behind charred remains and grieving families.
Despite the mounting evidence, the brothers have maintained a stoic denial. Their legal counsel argued in court that the owners had “no involvement in day-to-day operations,” a claim that has been met with heavy skepticism by the families of the victims.
🏠 The Roots of an Empire: From Hudson Lane to Global Luxury 📈
To understand the rise of the Luthra brothers, one must look at Hudson Lane in North Delhi—the epicenter of Delhi University’s student life. It was here, nearly a decade ago, that the brothers opened a modest cafe called “Mama’s Buoi.”
Targeting the massive influx of students from the nearby North Campus, the cafe became an overnight sensation. This success provided the capital for a rapid, aggressive expansion. Their journey moved from the narrow lanes of Hudson Lane to the upscale bungalows of Civil Lines, where the first Romeo Lane was inaugurated. Today, the brand boasts nearly 30 outlets across India and abroad.
The 42-Company Mystery: Investigative agencies are currently looking into allegations that the Luthra brothers were operating 42 different companies from a single registered address, raising questions about potential money laundering and shell corporate structures.
📜 The “Bloody History” of Hudson Lane: A Connection to 1857 ⚔️
Ironically, the business journey of the Luthra brothers began in a place named after one of the most controversial figures in British colonial history—Major William Stephen Raikes Hodson.
The Brutality of Major Hodson
Hudson Lane is named after the man who ruthlessly crushed the 1857 Indian Rebellion. Major Hodson is infamously remembered for the cold-blooded execution of the sons and grandson of the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
- The Surrender: Mirza Mughal, Mirza Khizr Sultan, and Mirza Abu Bakr surrendered to Hodson.
- The Massacre: On September 22, 1857, while transporting them to the Red Fort, Hodson feared a rescue attempt by a mob of locals. He ordered the princes to strip and shot them at point-blank range near the Khooni Darwaza (Bloody Gate).
- Public Display: Their severed heads were later displayed at Chandni Chowk to terrorize the populace.
From Barracks to Business Hub
During the British era, Hudson Lane and Outram Lines (named after Sir James Outram) served as military barracks. Following the 1847 Partition, this area—part of the Kingsway Camp—became one of Delhi’s largest refugee camps. Over the decades, these camps transformed into permanent residences, eventually becoming the bustling commercial and residential hubs of GTB Nagar.
The Luthra family has resided in Outram Lines for over 35 years, evolving from local residents to owners of a sprawling four-story luxury mansion, fueled by their success in the hospitality industry.
🏗️ Bulldozer Action: The Crackdown on Illegal Structures 🚜
Following the Arpora fire, the Goa government adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy. While the Luthra brothers were hiding in Thailand, authorities moved in with heavy machinery.
Another club owned by the brothers in Goa was identified as having illegal extensions and structural violations. Under the watchful eye of the media, the “Bulldozer Action” demolished the unauthorized portions of the property, sending a stern message to the hospitality industry about building code compliance.
📉 A Pattern of Negligence? A History of Indian Fire Tragedies 🛑
The Romeo Lane incident is not an isolated case of corporate apathy. It adds to a grim list of avoidable tragedies in India’s public spaces:
| Year | Location | Incident | Casualties |
| 1997 | Uphaar Cinema, Delhi | Transformer Fire | 59 Dead |
| 2018 | Kamala Mills, Mumbai | Rooftop Pub Fire | 14 Dead |
| 2019 | Hotel Arpit Palace, Delhi | Short Circuit | 17 Dead |
| 2024 | TRP Game Zone, Rajkot | Massive Arcade Fire | 27 Dead |
| 2025 | Birch by Romeo Lane, Goa | Indoor Fireworks | 25 Dead |
Despite these recurring horrors, the question remains: When will safety become a priority over profit?
⚖️ Conclusion: Justice for the 25
The arrest of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra is only the first step. While the brothers attempt to distance themselves from the operational failures of their club, the “Luthra Empire”—which started in the shadow of the historic Hudson Lane—now faces its greatest legal challenge. For the families of the 20 staff members and 5 tourists who never returned home, justice will only be served when those responsible for the “death trap” are held fully accountable under the law.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions.
Q1: Who are the owners of Romeo Lane?
The Romeo Lane brand is owned by brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. They started their journey with a small cafe in Delhi’s Hudson Lane before expanding into a pan-India franchise.
Q2: What happened at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa?
On December 6, 2025, a massive fire broke out at the club in Arpora, Goa, allegedly due to indoor fireworks. The fire resulted in the deaths of 25 people, including 20 staff members and 5 tourists.
Q3: Why were the Luthra brothers arrested in December 2025?
They were arrested for negligence and fleeing the country after the Goa club fire. They were apprehended in Phuket, Thailand, and extradited to India.
Q4: What is the historical significance of Hudson Lane?
Hudson Lane is named after Major William Hodson, who executed the Mughal princes at Khooni Darwaza during the 1857 revolt. It was later a site for refugee camps after the 1947 Partition.
Q5: What are the charges against the Luthra brothers?
Apart from negligence causing death (Section 304 of IPC), they are under investigation for operating 42 companies under one address and violating multiple fire safety norms.
External Source: Patrika Report
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