Breaking: Goa Nightclub Fire Case: Club Owners Absconding, Police Launch Multi-State Manhunt

In a major development in the Goa nightclub fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives, the owners of the club, Saurav Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, have been reported absconding. Goa Police has intensified its search and confirmed that a special team has reached Delhi to trace their whereabouts. Sources suggest that the accused may have fled abroad, possibly to Thailand, though this has not been officially confirmed. Investigations have revealed serious violations at the nightclub, including the absence of a Fire Department No-Objection Certificate (NOC), illegal construction over a drain, destruction of mangroves, and the lack of proper emergency exits. Reports also suggest that a demolition notice had earlier been issued to the club, which was reportedly ignored. In response to the incident, the Goa government has suspended three senior officials, including officers from the Panchayat and Fire Department. The Chief Minister has ordered strict inspections of all clubs, shacks, hotels, and high-footfall tourist spots across the state, with demolition drives also being initiated in illegal structures. Meanwhile, Goa Police has arrested the club’s Delhi-based Operations Manager, Bharat, from Delhi’s Punjabi Basti. He will be brought to Goa for further interrogation. A Lookout Circular (LOC) has also been issued against the absconding owners to prevent them from leaving the country.