Goa Nightclub Fire: Owner Ajay Gupta Detained in Delhi, Two Others Still on the Run

Panaji: Goa Police on Tuesday detained Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, where a massive fire claimed 25 lives late Saturday night.

A police spokesperson confirmed that Gupta became the sixth person to be taken into custody in connection with the tragedy. “Ajay Gupta has been detained in Delhi. He will be formally arrested and brought to Goa shortly,” the official said.

Earlier, a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against Gupta and another owner, Surinder Kumar Khosla, after a police team failed to locate Gupta at his Delhi residence. Khosla remains at large.

The two remaining owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, are also absconding, and Interpol Blue Corner notices have been issued to locate and extradite them.

So far, five others have already been arrested:  
- Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak  
- General Manager Vivek Singh  
- Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania  
- Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur  
- Employee Bharat Kohli  

The deadly blaze erupted around midnight on Saturday at the popular nightclub, trapping revellers inside and resulting in 25 confirmed deaths. Investigations into safety violations and possible negligence continue.

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