Panaji, Dec 11 (HS): Ajay Gupta, who has claimed to be a silent partner and investor in the fire-hit ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, was brought to Goa from Delhi on a transit remand late Wednesday for questioning in connection with the blaze that killed 25 people.
Goa Police arrived with Gupta at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, at 9.45 pm before taking him to Anjuna police station for further investigation, officials said. The December 6 fire in North Goa claimed the lives of 20 staff members and five tourists.
Gupta, a resident of Jammu, had earlier been produced before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vinod Joshi in Delhi, who granted a 36-hour transit remand. The extended duration was approved in view of the ongoing air travel disruptions caused by IndiGo flight cancellations. The court also directed authorities to ensure medical care for Gupta, who has a spinal injury. A Look Out Circular had been issued against him earlier.
Five managers and staffers have so far been arrested in the case. Meanwhile, nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra left for Phuket shortly after the incident. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued for them. Their pleas for interim relief could not be taken up on Wednesday, and a Delhi court scheduled the hearing for Thursday. The Luthras’ lawyer denied that they had fled, saying they travelled for a business meeting and were only licensees, not owners.
Investigators said the brothers booked their Phuket tickets at 1.17 am on December 7, less than an hour after learning of the fire. While emergency teams were still battling the blaze, they reportedly left India early on Sunday on an IndiGo flight.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
