Goa police are pursuing nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who fled to Thailand after a fire killed 25. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice, and India’s extradition treaty with Thailand is now central to bringing the brothers to justice. The treaty obligates both nations to surrender individuals wanted for serious offenses. Goa nightclub fire tragedy NEW DELHI: Goa police have confirmed that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people, are currently in Thailand, raising the central question now driving the investigation: can the brothers be extradited? As authorities pursue them with international assistance, India’s extradition treaty with Thailand has come sharply into focus.Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice against the Luthras after they fled the country within hours of the blaze. Goa’s Deputy Inspector General, Varsha Sharma, said, “We have come to know that the club owners are in Phuket, and we are taking action with the help of CBI and INTERPOL.” She added that Lookout Circulars had been issued and that “our teams are present in Delhi” as the search widened beyond India’s borders. Officials described the rapid issuance of the notice as unusually swift, adding, “Normally, this process takes a week or more, but because of the concerted efforts of Goa Police and the strong support from central agencies, it was completed much faster.” Interpol Blue Notice Explained: How CBI Tracks Absconding Luthra Brothers In Goa Nightclub Fire CaseWhat the treaty saysUnder the extradition treaty signed between India and Thailand, both countries are obligated to surrender individuals wanted “for prosecution, trial or for the imposition or execution of punishment” for offences punishable by at least one year of imprisonment in both jurisdictions. The treaty makes clear that the categorisation or terminology of an offence does not have to match in both legal systems, and that extradition can also be granted in cases of attempts, aiding or abetting, or participation as an accomplice. If the offence was committed outside India, extradition may still be granted if Thailand’s laws allow similar prosecution, and even when they do not, the treaty permits Thailand to exercise discretion to extradite.There are also mandatory grounds on which a request can be rejected, including if the case is judged to be politically motivated or if prosecution is barred by lapse of time. The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident that state officials have described as “very painful.” Sharma said, “The accused were immediately charged and arrested. We took immediate action against the owners by issuing LOC against them.” A co-owner, Ajay Gupta, has also been named among the accused and is now on a Lookout Circular. Another owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British national, is also wanted.Meanwhile, the fallout has triggered action on the ground in Goa. Part of the Romeo Lane restaurant at Vagator—another establishment tied to the Luthra-owned chain—was demolished earlier today for beach encroachment. Deputy Director of Tourism Dhiraj Wagale said, “The total area to be demolished is 198 square metres,” adding that the owners had rebuilt the structure after an earlier demolition in July.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAmazon Announces Landmark $35B Investment In India To Drive Digital TransformationPakistan Army Spokesperson Faces Backlash for Winking at Reporter in Viral VideoSingapore Leader Says India Achieved Reforms Once Seen Impossible, Praises Scale and Global ClarityImran Khan’s Sisters Allege Illegal Isolation, Stage Protest Outside Adiala JailRussian President Putin Praises India’s Unity in Diversity, Calls It A Blueprint For Big NationsUS Consumers Facing Food Inflation as Tariffs Hit Indian Rice Imports: Exporters Body’Singapura Derived From Sanskrit’: Singapore’s Ex-Deputy PM Highlights India’s InfluenceInterpol Blue Notice Explained: How CBI Tracks Absconding Luthra Brothers In Goa Nightclub Fire CaseIndia At The Centre: How The New US Security Blueprint Plans To Deepen Strategic Ties With DelhiBJP’s Nishikant Dubey Counters Rahul Gandhi, Accuses Cong Of Weakening India’s Key Institutions123PhotostoriesPediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the rise: What Hyderabad doctor wants parents to know to reduce the occurrence?10 child stars who are proud parents nowBengaluru’s Yeshwantpur station revamp — Rs 380-cr upgrade powering ahead toward a world-class stationWhich Birth Numbers Are Guided By Their AncestorsTravel back 1,000 years: 10 ancient temples in India still standing and open to travellers8 habits smart people find calming that drive others crazyBoiled eggs vs omelette: Which one deserves a place on a heart-healthy plate?Nine Planets and Their Connection With Ramayana3 reasons to drink Apple Cider Vinegar, Fenugreek and Turmeric concoction daily; recipe insideWhich deity is guiding you right now? 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NEW DELHI: Goa police have confirmed that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people, are currently in Thailand, raising the central question now driving the investigation: can the brothers be extradited? As authorities pursue them with international assistance, India’s extradition treaty with Thailand has come sharply into focus.Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice against the Luthras after they fled the country within hours of the blaze. Goa’s Deputy Inspector General, Varsha Sharma, said, “We have come to know that the club owners are in Phuket, and we are taking action with the help of CBI and INTERPOL.” She added that Lookout Circulars had been issued and that “our teams are present in Delhi” as the search widened beyond India’s borders. Officials described the rapid issuance of the notice as unusually swift, adding, “Normally, this process takes a week or more, but because of the concerted efforts of Goa Police and the strong support from central agencies, it was completed much faster.”
What the treaty says
Under the extradition treaty signed between India and Thailand, both countries are obligated to surrender individuals wanted “for prosecution, trial or for the imposition or execution of punishment” for offences punishable by at least one year of imprisonment in both jurisdictions. The treaty makes clear that the categorisation or terminology of an offence does not have to match in both legal systems, and that extradition can also be granted in cases of attempts, aiding or abetting, or participation as an accomplice. If the offence was committed outside India, extradition may still be granted if Thailand’s laws allow similar prosecution, and even when they do not, the treaty permits Thailand to exercise discretion to extradite.There are also mandatory grounds on which a request can be rejected, including if the case is judged to be politically motivated or if prosecution is barred by lapse of time. The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident that state officials have described as “very painful.” Sharma said, “The accused were immediately charged and arrested. We took immediate action against the owners by issuing LOC against them.” A co-owner, Ajay Gupta, has also been named among the accused and is now on a Lookout Circular. Another owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, a British national, is also wanted.Meanwhile, the fallout has triggered action on the ground in Goa. Part of the Romeo Lane restaurant at Vagator—another establishment tied to the Luthra-owned chain—was demolished earlier today for beach encroachment. Deputy Director of Tourism Dhiraj Wagale said, “The total area to be demolished is 198 square metres,” adding that the owners had rebuilt the structure after an earlier demolition in July.
