Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing one of the victim’s families in the Goa nightclub fire case, said on Wednesday that one of the Luthra brothers requested a Dunlop mattress during police remand, citing spinal and other health issues. The request was strongly opposed by the state, following which the court ordered detailed medical examinations before deciding on custody.

Speaking to reporters, Joshi said the accused raised health-related arguments when produced before the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court. However, their pre-medical examination showed them to be fit, with no medical necessity warranting special arrangements.

Five-day police custody granted

After considering submissions from both sides, the court directed fresh medical examinations, including re-evaluation at government hospitals. With no serious health concerns established, the court exercised its authority and granted five days of police remand to the Goa Police for custodial interrogation.

The Luthra brothers, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, were brought back to Goa from Thailand following their deportation. They were produced before the court after undergoing multiple medical checks at a primary health centre in Siolim and the District Hospital in Mapusa.

‘Attempts to evade law’, says advocate

Joshi alleged that the brothers had consistently attempted to evade legal proceedings since fleeing India hours after the fire. He said they first approached the Rohini Court in Delhi seeking anticipatory bail on vague grounds, despite the court lacking jurisdiction. That application was rejected, after which they allegedly sought relaxations wherever possible.

According to police, the accused left India on December 7, just hours after the blaze, even as rescue operations were under way. A nationwide and international manhunt was launched, including a lookout circular and an Interpol Blue Notice.

Deadly fire and ongoing probe

The fire broke out on December 6 at around 11.45 pm during a crowded event, when electric firecrackers allegedly struck the wooden ceiling. The incident claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff, and left several others injured.

After being detained in Thailand for illegal stay and passport issues, the brothers were deported to India on emergency travel documents. They were arrested in Delhi and brought to Goa on transit remand.

The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. Investigators are also probing allegations that the nightclub was operating with expired licences and without mandatory safety clearances.

Investigation continues

Goa Police said custodial interrogation is crucial to establish responsibility for safety lapses and to identify others involved in the club’s operations.

Read More:

  • Interpol Blue Notice explained in Goa nightclub fire case – News Karnataka
  • Goa fire tragedy: What investigators have found so far – News Karnataka
  • Nightclub fire safety – Wikipedia

Excerpt:
Advocate says one Luthra brother sought a Dunlop mattress during police remand in the Goa nightclub fire case; court rejected the plea after medical checks.

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Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brother sought Dunlop mattress in remand

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In the Goa nightclub fire case, advocate reveals one Luthra brother requested a Dunlop mattress during remand; court granted five-day custody after medical clearance.

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Goa nightclub fire, Luthra brothers, police remand, Mapusa court, fire safety lapses, newskarnataka