Goa Nightclub Fire: Owner Breaks Silence, Says ‘Deeply Shaken’ as Probe Continues; Who Is Saurabh Luthra?
The owner of the Goa nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people has publicly expressed grief over the tragedy. On Monday, Saurabh Luthra – owner of Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora – issued a statement on Instagram, saying the management was “deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives”.
“The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch,” Luthra wrote in an Instagram story. He added that the establishment would extend “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to the families affected by the blaze.
“In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity,” he said.
Who Is Saurabh Luthra?
Saurabh Luthra is the owner of Birch by Romeo Lane, the upscale nightclub in Goa’s Arpora where a fire broke out late Saturday night, killing 25 people, including 20 staff members and five tourists.
Luthra also heads the Romeo Lane chain — a popular network of high-end restaurants and bars with outlets in Delhi, Noida, Bhubaneswar and several international locations.
According to the brand’s official website, Luthra is described as a “gold medalist engineer turned fastest-growing restaurateur” known for his work in the F&B industry.
His Instagram profile features photos from international trips and pictures with celebrities such as cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Milind Soman, and influencer Orry, among others.
What Triggered the Deadly Fire?
The blaze erupted during a performance at the nightclub on Saturday night. A viral video from the scene shows a woman performing a belly dance while flames suddenly appear on the ceiling.
Eyewitnesses claim the fire began when cold pyro guns used during the performance ignited the bamboo-and-fibre ceiling.
“It started when a belly dance performance was underway. The performers used some cold pyro sticks which, upon ignition, leapt skywards and came in contact with the ceiling made of bamboo, fibre and straw-type material. This caused sparks and fumes, and within minutes the whole place was burning,” an eyewitness told HT.
Arrests and Investigation
Police have arrested four members of the nightclub’s management — the Chief General Manager, General Manager, bar manager and gate manager. The investigation continues to determine whether safety norms were violated and what exactly triggered the devastating blaze.
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