Vivo T5x 5G Price In India: The device is expected to include Ultra Game Mode for a more immersive experience, along with 4D gaming vibrations, enhanced haptic feedback, and a Game Voice Changer feature that allows users to modify their voice during gameplay
SC grants 12-week maternity leave to all adoptive mothers, removes 3-month age capThe SC bench also urged the Union government to consider introducing paternity leave as a social welfare measure. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 1:27 PM IST By Utkarsh Anand Share via Copy link The Supreme Court on
The actress also shared glimpses from her visit to the famous Santa Claus Village. Mumbai: Bollywood actress Bhagyashree recently took her social media account to share glimpses from her adventurous holiday in Finland, where she visited the Santa village and also swam in the icy ocean at minus 25
Global financial markets have turned volatile since the start of the ongoing Iran war, with the conflict disrupting oil supplies and triggering sharp swings in equities and commodities. As uncertainty deepens, investors are increasingly shifting money away from riskier assets such as stocks and
A Utah mother who published a children's book about grief after the sudden death of her husband has been found guilty of his murder. A jury found that Kouri Richins killed her husband in March 2022 by poisoning him with a fentanyl-laced drink
How Goa club fire accused built an empire from humble beginnings
How Goa club fire accused built an empire from humble beginnings
Days after a devastating fire at an upscale nightclub in India's Goa state killed 25 people, the spotlight remains on the two brothers who co-owned the place.
On Tuesday, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were deported to India from Thailand, where they fled hours after the incident on 7 December.
A third partner in the nightclub, Ajay Gupta, was detained in Delhi last week.
Until a few weeks ago, the brothers who grew up in Delhi, were not known beyond India's hospitality and nightlife circuit.
Those who knew them describe a life rooted in ordinary beginnings: a paralysed father who once ran a flourishing business, a religious mother loved by her community, and two sons who represented a new generation of Indian restaurateurs - ambitious, social-media savvy and eager to scale their brand across cities.
They were Delhi boys in the broadest sense," a city-based musician who knows the brothers told the BBC on the condition of anonymity, referring to the traits of brashness and risk-taking often associated with the Indian capital's social and business culture. "Well-networked and ambitious, they used the city and their connections to build visibility.
But hours after the deadly fire, the brothers boarded a plane to Phuket and left the country, sparking outrage and intense scrutiny. Police launched an investigation and Interpol issued notices against them. Overnight, the budding entrepreneurs had turned into international fugitives.
Once back, the brothers will be investigated on charges of culpable homicide among other allegations. They deny any wrongdoing and say they "never intended to evade" the law, alleging that they were being "erroneously portrayed" as villains in a wider tragedy.
How did they get here?
Born into a middle-class family in northern Delhi, the brothers grew up far from the dizzying glamour associated with the venues they would eventually own.
To their neighbours, they were simply Saurabh and Gaurav - the polite sons of a friendly couple. "They were deeply religious, especially the mother," a neighbour told the Times of India newspaper, with another resident adding that the family's conduct was "was always very good".
Their father, largely bedridden after a paralytic attack, shaped the rhythm of the house - after his illness, the family opened a boutique clothing store in the neighbourhood to revive their incomes, while the brothers focused on their education.
Saurabh studied engineering from a university in Gujarat state. On the club's official website, he is described as a "gold medalist engineer turned into a promising and fastest-growing restaurateur". In comparison, Gaurav's personal life is less documented, but reports suggest he also had a degree in engineering.
Their entrepreneurial journey began with a cafe in 2016 in Hudson Lane - a vibrant students' hub near the Delhi university - which swiftly became a favourite among the young crowds. Buoyed by its success, the brothers launched another casual diner, called Dramebaaz, in the same neighbourhood shortly after.
But the real breakthrough came a few years later with Romeo Lane, an upscale nightclub. The venue leaned on a recognisable aesthetic of balancing carefree indulgence with planned spectacle: sleek finishings, handcrafted cocktails, loud Bollywood music, and themed events.
Its success inspired expansion and in no time, dozens of outlets sprang up across the country, including in smaller cities such as Noida, Meerut, Lucknow and Dehradun. They also opened a property in Dubai last year.
"These were loud, flamboyant spaces with belly dance performances and lots of Bollywood nights," the Delhi-based musician said.
"Compared to other places, Romeo Lane was also a lot more affordable, giving the wider masses, especially the urban youth, their first glimpse of nightlife," he added.
Opened in 2024, Birch by Romeo Lane - the site of the fire in Goa - was meant to be an extension of this formula but on a grander scale, a luxuriant tropical island that offered an escape from the din of city life.
"It was a sprawling venue with vast open spaces, ponds and fresh air. That a fire broke out at such a venue is beyond belief," a resident from Bengaluru city, who visited the place last year, told the BBC.
As the brothers' business grew, Saurabh took on a more public-facing role, driving strategy as the chairman.
His Instagram account, which is still public, reads like a carefully curated digital diary of a hospitality impresario: You see pictures of ribbon-cutting ceremonies at new openings, group snaps with chefs standing beneath freshly lit signage and the occasional photo with a celebrity, charting his rise as a successful entrepreneur for his 14,000 followers.
Two years ago, he was listed in Economic Times newspaper's "40 under 40" list. Last month, he was also featured on Forbes India - the company account for Romeo Lane shared the article on Instagram, which described him as a leader focused on building a "legacy".
His brother Gaurav, on the other hand, has a quieter presence online. His Instagram account is sparse, strictly devoted to posts about the venues.
Reports say he was more involved in the day-to-day operations, looking after their finances and management. "But the brand they projected was unified: the Luthra brothers," the musician said.
Their rapid rise, however, was not without controversy, especially in Goa where their venues faced complaints about permits and safety compliances.
In 2024, police launched an investigation against the property for allegedly playing loud music, which was way above the permissible limits, after a few residents filed a complaint. The case, of which the BBC has seen a copy, is ongoing.
Before that in 2023, a resident filed a complaint with local authorities against the venue, alleging that it was illegally constructed in an ecologically sensitive zone.
The BBC has a copy of the complaint, which also alleged that the venue was discharging untreated sewage "directly into the ecologically sensitive Baga river, which ultimately connects to the Arabian Sea, causing substantial environmental pollution". The complaint does not mention the brothers directly but refers to their local business partner.
However, in November, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority closed the case, concluding that the structures housing the nightclub were legal and fell outside the legally protected coastal areas.
Then earlier in May, Goa's Tourism Department issued orders to demolish parts of Romeo Lane in Vagator - a second property owned by the brothers - for encroaching on public beach land.
Action was taken only this month, when a portion of the structure was demolished under orders from the chief minister days after the deadly blaze.
But unlike in Delhi, where they led an outwardly public life, the brothers were virtually unknown in Goa, says Tahir Noronha, a local architect, who has been at the forefront of protests against the Romeo Lane properties.
"They were like ghosts. Even during court proceedings, they would send a manager to represent them, never showing up themselves," he said.
In court filings, the brothers have argued that they were "licensees, not operators" of the venue and had no direct control over the day-to-day safety regulations of the club. The BBC has reached out to Romeo Lane for comment.
As investigators piece together the events that led to the fire, the story of the brothers continues to unfold - on TV, newspapers and mobile apps.
The Luthra brothers have become household names, but not for the reasons they had hoped.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Goa nightclub owners held in Thailand over deadly fire Goa nightclub owners fled to Thailand hours after deadly fire Look Out Circular against two more owners of Goa nightclub where fire killed 25 Goa Nightclub Fire Aftermath Owners of Goa nightclub where 25 died in fire deported from Thailand Horrific video captures extent of Goa nightclub fire that claimed 23 lives Goa nightclub fire As wellness trends go upscale Sudan’s 1,000 days of devastating war Goa police question Arpora panchayat members over nightclub licences after deadly fire
Ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the DMK government, calling Chief Minister MK Stalin a "puppet" and accusing his administration of failing to maintain law and order across the state
3 hours ago
The Iran war is roiling commodities far beyond oilThe Gulf states, it is rapidly becoming clear, matter for the supply of much more than oil and gas. Updated on: Mar 17, 2026 12:37 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link SINCE THE third Gulf war began three weeks ago
3 hours ago
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav contrasted India's 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup victories. He noted the 2024 squad possessed experienced enthusiasm, while the 2026 team was fueled by the fiery passion of youth. Yadav explained the 2024 team had more defined roles and experience. The 2026 team
3 hours ago
India's energy security gets a boost as LPG tanker Nanda Devi docks at Kandla Port today, following sister ship Shivalik. Carrying 46,000 MT of cooking gas, the vessel's safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz marks a major diplomatic victory amid the West Asia conflict
3 hours ago
I didn’t enter hospitality the traditional way. I arrived sideways, from law. From a world of documents, structure and certainty into one that looked, from the outside, joyful, chaotic and alive. Energy, bustle, creativity, smiles and delicious food landing on tables and changing the mood of a
3 hours ago
Sania Mirza returns to India after spending tense days in Dubai: ‘Heard fighter jets above our house’ Updated on: Mar 17, 2026 1:51 PM IST Written by Vishesh Roy Share via Copy link Sania Mirza and her ex-husband Shoaib Malik welcomed son Izhaan in 2018
3 hours ago
Nora Fatehi's new song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke faces legal issues after backlash over vulgar lyricsWhat began as social media criticism has now escalated into legal scrutiny, with Nora Fatehi’s Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke drawing objections over its lyrics Published on: Mar 17
3 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.8 robot vacuum cleaner myths you’ve been believing and what they can really doThink robot vacuums just suck up dust? Discover 8 common myths about robovacs and find out what these
3 hours ago
BCCI faces backlash after wrongly crediting Shubman Gill as Champions Trophy-winning captain instead of Rohit Sharma at Naman Awards 2026. The BCCI found itself in the middle of a social media storm after a major on-screen error at the Naman Awards 2026 wrongly credited Shubman Gill as India’s
3 hours ago
A group of Brazilian bridesmaids has gone viral for their high-energy dance to "Beedi Jalaile" at an Alibaug wedding. Know the secret history of why every Brazilian knows this Bollywood song—thanks to a 2009 hit telenovela. In a small town called Alibaug
3 hours ago
For years, Fede Valverde has been Real Madrid's unsung hero. The player who runs for everyone else, the one who fills the gaps. At the Bernabeu last Wednesday, the 27-year-old midfielder made himself the man who the headlines revolved around as his stunning hat-trick left Manchester City 3-0 down
3 hours ago
Kerala's Kottayam district sees a unique political contest as veteran P C George and his son Shone George vie for votes as NDA candidates. They are contesting in Poonjar and Pala constituencies, areas with significant Christian populations. The father-son duo aims to make a mark for the NDA in the
3 hours ago
Nora Fatehi features alongside Sanjay Dutt in the dance number ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from the Kannada film KD: The Devil. The video, released on Sunday, received mixed reactions. While some fans praised Nora’s dance, many were shocked by the ‘vulgar’ lyrics, suggestive dance moves
3 hours ago
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) directed social media platforms and other online intermediaries to take down or block access within India to allegedly defamatory contents linking Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri
3 hours ago
A former BJP panchayat chief, Pabitra Kar, has rejoined the ruling TMC. Kar was known to be close to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. His return fuels speculation that he may contest against Adhikari in the Nandigram assembly seat. Kar had previously quit TMC to join BJP
3 hours ago
Apple AirPods Max 2 Price In India: The headphones offer improved sound quality with a new high dynamic range amplifier designed to deliver cleaner audio. Apple AirPods Max 2 Price In India: Apple has launched the new AirPods Max 2, bringing improved sound quality
3 hours ago
Chef Kunal Kapur's eggless '1-minute microwave brownie recipe' is a must-try: Here is the step-by-step recipeChef Kunal Kapur's chocolate-and-walnut brownie recipe is a game-changer. To make it, check step-by-step instructions and the simple pantry staples you need. Published on: Mar 17
3 hours ago
Israel Targets Iran’s Security Chief Ali Larijani In Airstrike, Says ‘Unclear If He Was Killed Or Injured’Israel Targets Iran’s Security Chief Ali Larijani In Airstrike, Says ‘Unclear If He Was Killed Or Injured’Israel Targets Iran’s Security Chief Ali Larijani In Airstrike
3 hours ago
U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance on Monday (March 16, 2026) expressed support for the way President Donald Trump was handling the war in Iran and said he trusted him to make sure that “the mistakes of the past” are not repeated. Mr. Vance’s comments appeared to be an effort to
3 hours ago
Two Iranian women footballers who were granted asylum by Australia and accepted the same were seen training in Brisbane. They joined practice with a professional club in Brisbane in their first public appearance since they accepted asylum Down Under
3 hours ago
Jeffrey Epstein case: A video spreading quickly on social media platforms has raised new claims that disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein might still be alive. Jeffrey Epstein case: A video spreading quickly on social media platforms has raised new claims that disgraced
3 hours ago
The Iran war has already rattled India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market. Now another energy artery is under scrutiny: the country's rapidly expanding network of piped natural gas (PNG) - gas delivered by pipeline to homes and businesses
3 hours ago
Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a holiday for public institutions to conserve fuel as the island nation grapples with possible shortages in the wake of the US and Israel's war with Iran. "We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best
3 hours ago
Not consulted, excluded by new bill: Transgender activistsThe bill violates the right to self-determine one’s gender, as well as the right to privacy granted by the Supreme Court of India in judgements passed in 2014 and 2017 Published on: Mar 17
3 hours ago
Renault bets on Duster revival to power India turnaroundThe original Renault Duster, launched more than a decade ago, effectively created the compact SUV category in India. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 12:26 PM IST By Tushar Deep Singh Share via Copy link Renault India is doubling down on its most
3 hours ago
The last atomic clock aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)-1F satellite has failed, ISRO has said in a statement. This further weakens the country’s indigenous ‘GPS’ system, informally called NavIC
3 hours ago
Amid rising concerns over an LPG shortage linked to the ongoing West Asia tensions, a protest in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi has caught attention online for the unusual way it was carried out. A video from the city shows police officials seizing a gas cylinder
3 hours ago
