Goa Nightclub Owner's Aide Detained Amid Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 25

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A business partner of the Goa nightclub owner, where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives, spoke publicly for the first time since his detention by the Delhi Police. Ajay Gupta, surrounded by media personnel, claimed he was 'just a partner' and had no knowledge about the fire or safety arrangements at the nightclub. The fire occurred at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' in Arpora, Goa, on the night of Saturday and Sunday. At least 25 people, including five tourists, lost their lives in the tragedy. The primary owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the incident, prompting an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and a Look Out Circular against them. Gupta will be flown to Goa for further questioning in the case. Investigations revealed that the Luthra brothers boarded a flight to Thailand hours after the fire, and authorities are now in touch with Thai authorities to locate and deport them based on an arrest warrant. Key developments in the case include the demolition of a beach shack owned by the Luthra brothers in Goa and the sealing of another club in Assagao due to disputes. The nightclub was allegedly built without a construction license, according to Arpora panchayat head Roshan Redkar. Eyewitnesses initially pointed to pyroguns used during a dance performance as the cause of the fire, which was triggered when the fireworks came into contact with the bamboo-and-fibre-sheet thatched roof. As the probe intensifies, questions are being raised about the safety measures in place at the nightclub and the responsibility of its owners.