Goa, Dec 26: A Goa court on Friday extended police custody of nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra till Dec. 29 in connection with the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub that killed 25 people earlier this month.
The extension was granted by the judicial magistrate first class of the Mapusa court after the brothers’ initial 10-day remand expired. The Luthras are accused in a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offenses registered by Anjuna police.
“The court has extended police custody of both accused till December 29,” their lawyer, Parag Rao, told reporters outside the court. “They did not oppose the extension as they want to cooperate with the investigating officer.”
The fire broke out on Dec. 6 at the nightclub located in Arpora village in North Goa. Police say the brothers were not present at the venue at the time of the incident.
Following the tragedy, the Luthra brothers fled to Thailand within hours but were deported and brought back to India on Dec. 17. They are currently lodged in police custody at the Anjuna police station.
Police officials said investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow as evidence continues to be examined.
So far, eight people have been arrested in the case.
