Panaji, 20 December (H.S.): Goa Police on Saturday initiated proceedings through central agencies to issue a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, a key accused in the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora that claimed 25 lives on December 6.
Senior officers confirmed Khosla was present in Goa during the tragedy but fled to the United Kingdom, likely on December 7, prompting swift Interpol coordination to locate and provisionally arrest him abroad.
The catastrophic blaze erupted late on December 6 at the popular nightlife venue, allegedly triggered by an unauthorized fire performance that ignited highly flammable materials, trapping patrons inside and resulting in the highest nightclub death toll in India's history.
Khosla, identified as one of the club's owners who leased the disputed land from original owner Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, faces charges alongside other partners including the absconding Luthra brothers—Saurabh and Gaurav—who fled to Thailand, and Delhi resident Ajay Gupta, recently detained.
Amonkar has alleged Khosla received protection from big guys, enabling his escape despite prior Look Out Circulars (LOCs), demolition notices from Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, and ongoing legal battles over illegal construction on his property.
Eight arrests have been made so far, including the club's chief general manager and staff, while a magisterial inquiry probes procedural lapses under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's directive.
The Blue Corner Notice seeks international police assistance to confirm Khosla's whereabouts and activities, paving the way for potential extradition; formalities with the CBI and Interpol are underway as investigations widen amid public outrage over safety violations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
