A SWIFT multi-agency operation, which stretched across two countries, eventually led to the detention in Thailand of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of Goa’s Birch By Romeo Lane nightclub. A total of 25 people died in the blaze at the nightclub, following which the Luthra brothers fled the country. The deportation process has begun, and officials expect the duo to be brought back soon. The brothers have been taken to a detention centre in Phuket. Officials say that they are already in contact with the authorities in Thailand, and the process to secure their return has already begun. Authorities in India wasted no time in tracking the brothers.

 

The process began immediately after the immigration authorities informed them of their departure. The Thai authorities were immediately alerted by their Indian counterparts. The immigration desk was the first to alert the authorities about the departure. Once it was confirmed that they had flown into Phuket, the Thai authorities were alerted. Another official said that the operation needed to be a swift one as there was the risk that the duo might leave Thailand once they realised they had been tracked. Once the Thai authorities were alerted about the details of the duo, they immediately swung into action and launched searches across the island. The detention would have taken place earlier, but the brothers had shifted from the place they were staying in Phuket. This led to the search being extended. Eventually, they were traced and then detained. Officials say that Gaurav and Saurabh booked their tickets at 1.17 a.m. on December 7 through MakeMyTrip.

 

This was the same time when the firefighters and police were attempting to douse the fire and rescue those who were trapped inside the nightclub at Airpora, Goa. The brothers are now in Thai custody, and the authorities are going ahead with the legal formalities. An official said that they expect the deportation to take place soon. Once back in India, they would be handed over to the Goa police for further investigation.