New Delhi, 10 December (H.S.): A Delhi court on Wednesday refused to grant any interim relief to Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, accused in the recent Goa “Burnt by Romeo Lane” nightclub fire tragedy, which claimed the lives of 25 people. The Rohini Additional Sessions Judge Vandana directed that their anticipatory bail pleas be heard on Thursday, December 11.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the Delhi Police opposed the anticipatory bail applications, informing the court that both accused fled the country soon after the incident. The court observed that since the accused were not presently within its jurisdiction, it could not proceed with the matter.

Counsel representing the Luthras urged the court to allow them time to return to India and approach the Goa court for appropriate legal remedies. However, the police counsel submitted that they had received copies of the petitions only on Wednesday and required additional time to file their response.

Subsequently, the court fixed the matter for further hearing on December 11.Sources said one of the co-accused, Ajay Gupta, has already been arrested from Delhi. Gupta is said to be a business partner of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, both of whom are residents of Delhi and alleged to have fled abroad after the fire.

The devastating blaze at the “Burnt by Romeo Lane” nightclub in Goa erupted last month, resulting in 25 fatalities and prompting a multi-state investigation into violations of safety norms and possible negligence by the establishment’s owners.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar