Delhi resident Ajay Gupta, the key accused in the Birch by Romeo Lane restaurant-cum-bar fire in North Goa, has been arrested.
The development comes days after a massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty accident and killing at least 25 people, most of whom were restaurant staff.
According to news agency ANI, a Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued against Gupta after he went on the run.
When a police team visited his residence in Delhi, he was found to be absconding and a non-bailable warrant was subsequently issued against him, ANI reported.
“Ajay Gupta has now been arrested in Delhi,” the Goa police said.
The Goa government has formed a committee to probe the incident.
Blue Corner Notice v. Luther Bros
As part of the ongoing investigation into the Romeo Lane fire in Goa, INTERPOL issued a “blue corner notice” against the absconding accused, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, just two days after the incident.
The brothers fled to Thailand after the fire, which claimed 25 lives, and are now being tracked by international authorities.
The district administration demolished a part of Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane.
Meanwhile, Goa Tourism’s Rohan Khaunte said a strict “top-down” investigation would be carried out and that “some heads have to fit”.
“Goa Police has made a major breakthrough in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire investigation. Interpol has issued a blue horn notice against the absconding accused,” the Goa Police said in a statement.
