Days after a fire at the upscale Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa killed 25 people, the two co‑owners – brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra – have been deported from Thailand back to India, where they now face a police investigation.
From Delhi cafés to a luxury Goa venue
The Luthras grew up in a middle‑class neighbourhood in northern Delhi. Their father, paralysed after a stroke, ran a boutique clothing store while the brothers pursued engineering studies – Saurabh graduated as a gold‑medal engineer in Gujarat, and Gaurav also holds an engineering degree.
In 2016 they opened a café on Hudson Lane near Delhi University, followed by a second diner called Dramebaaz. Their first major success came with the Romeo Lane nightclub, a Bollywood‑styled venue that later expanded to a coastal property in Goa, opened in 2024 as Birch by Romeo Lane.
Rapid rise and public profile
Saurabh positioned himself as the public face of the brand, sharing ribbon‑cutting ceremonies, chef celebrations and occasional celebrity photos on Instagram, where he has around 14,000 followers. Gaurav kept a lower profile, focusing on day‑to‑day operations and finance.
The brothers’ venues were praised for offering affordable, flamboyant nightlife experiences – from belly‑dance shows to loud Bollywood music – across cities such as Noida, Meerut, Luckland and Dehradun, and even a property in Dubai.
Controversies before the blaze
Local residents filed complaints in 2023 alleging illegal construction in an ecologically sensitive zone and untreated sewage discharge into the Baga River. A 2024 police probe cited the club for playing music well above permissible limits.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority later ruled the structures legal, and the tourism department ordered demolition of parts of a second Romeo Lane venue for encroaching on public beach land – demolition only began after the fire.
Flight and return
Hours after the December 7 fire, the brothers boarded a flight to Phuket. Their departure sparked public outrage and led Interpol to issue notices. They were arrested in Thailand and deported to India on Tuesday.
A third partner, Ajay Gupta, was detained in Delhi last week. Once back, the brothers face charges of culpable homicide among other allegations, though they deny evading the law and say they have been mischaracterised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra?
The brothers are Delhi‑born entrepreneurs who built a chain of restaurants and nightclubs, culminating in the upscale Birch by Romeo Lane venue in Goa.
What legal actions have been taken against them?
They were deported from Thailand to India, where they now face a police investigation for culpable homicide. A third partner, Ajay Gupta, has been detained in Delhi.
What controversies surrounded the nightclub before the fire?
Complaints included alleged illegal construction in a protected zone, discharge of untreated sewage into the Baga River, and repeated violations of noise limits. Some regulatory bodies later cleared the structures, while others ordered partial demolition for beach encroachment.
What do you think the outcome of the ongoing investigation will mean for India’s nightlife industry?
