The ‘burning’ empire: Goa nightclub blaze that brought Luthra brothers to their knees; how nightlife kingdom came crashing down

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra began their journey a decade ago in Delhi’s Hudson Lane with Mama’s Buoi — a casual, youthful space popular among college-goers. Their fortunes changed when Romeo Lane opened in Delhi’s Civil Lines and later expanded dramatically to Goa’s Vagator during the post-Covid tourism boom. With sweeping sea views, fire performers and loud Bollywood nights, Vagator’s Romeo Lane quickly became a crowd-puller. Its scale, spectacle and Indian flavour set it apart in Goa’s competitive nightlife scene.

A Brand That Malls Fought For

The success triggered breakneck expansion. From Indore and Nagpur to Agra and Dehradun, malls competed to bring Romeo Lane in as an anchor nightlife brand. Developers were willing to bear construction costs. Franchisees signed strict contracts, paid hefty fees and agreed to royalties.

The brothers added Birch by Romeo Lane and Caha to their growing portfolio. More than 25 outlets came up across India and one in Dubai, with nearly 25 more reportedly in the pipeline.

Behind the Glamour: Cracks in the Foundation

The Luthra family is known for a tight-knit partnership in Delhi, with their paralysed father, Vijay Luthra, at its centre. Their base for 15 years was Outram Lines in Mukherjee Nagar, before moving their corporate headquarters to Model Town. Within the business, Gaurav — also an engineer — managed accounts and operations at GS Foods Studio Pvt Ltd. Saurabh, the self-described “gold medallist engineer”, was the more aggressive and creative face of the brand.

But the rapid rise brought strain. While some franchisees flourished, others struggled. Investors complained they had not seen either brother for months despite promises of operational support. Some said they were left adrift after paying steep franchise fees. Restaurateurs watching from afar warned that expansion had outpaced oversight.

The Arpora Blaze and Questions of Accountability

The turning point came in Arpora. A fire tore through Birch by Romeo Lane on Saturday night, killing 25 people and injuring others. Local panchayat authorities had flagged numerous violations at what the brothers marketed as “India’s first island bar”.

Industry voices now ask why these concerns were not raised earlier — and how the outlet operated since March 2024 without essential safety clearances, including clarity on why a kitchen was operating in the basement.Some franchise partners say they may now drop the Romeo Lane name entirely.

Goa Erupts in Anger

The tragedy triggered a wave of fury on social media. Lawyer Radharao Gracias likened the situation to a net cast in the sea, where “big fish” escape justice while minor players face consequences. PR professional Shivani Soni questioned why safety checks were missing and wondered, “Am I really safe?” Activist and doctor Oscar Rebello wrote that Goans were “fulminating”, demanding that “heads roll”. Another user, Rohan Govenkar, argued that the brothers’ properties should be seized and the proceeds given to the victims’ families.

Flight to Thailand Within Hours

Hours after the fire, the Luthra brothers boarded a 5.30am Indigo flight to Phuket from Delhi. Goa DGP Alok Kumar said they arrived at the airport at 3am on Sunday, just three hours after the blaze. “It shows their intent to avoid police investigation,” he said. A Look Out Notice has been issued, and Goa police have sought help from the Interpol division of the CBI. Raids were conducted at their Delhi homes and offices, where notices were pasted after they were found missing. Delhi Police’s crime branch also detained Bharat Kohli from his Sabzi Mandi home and handed him over to Goa police.

A Brand on the Brink

As the hospitality industry calls for the brothers to surrender and support the victims’ families, the once-celebrated Romeo Lane empire faces an uncertain future. Built on spectacle and rapid expansion, the brand now stands overshadowed by a devastating tragedy — one that has shaken Goa, the industry, and the families of 25 people who lost their lives.