Police in India say the owners of a nightclub in Goa fled the country just hours after a fire killed 25 people over the weekend. The tragic incident happened at Birch Nightclub in Arpora, a popular tourist area in north Goa.
Most of the victims were staff members, including four workers from Nepal. Officials believe the fire started after electrical firecrackers malfunctioned. The flames spread quickly through wooden structures inside the club, causing many victims to die from suffocation in the basement and kitchen areas.
According to police, the club owners—brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra—left India almost immediately after the fire. They reportedly flew to Phuket, Thailand. When police raided their home in New Delhi, they found the brothers had already escaped. Authorities say this shows they may be trying to avoid the investigation.
Interpol has now been asked to help track down the two men.
Although missing, Saurabh Luthra posted a message online expressing “deep grief” and promising to support the victims’ families. However, he did not reveal his location.
Goa, famous for its beaches and nightlife, attracts millions of tourists each year. Following the tragedy, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod
