In a major escalation of the probe into one of Goa’s deadliest nightclub disasters, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched coordinated raids on Friday morning targeting the owners of the infamous ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ in Arpora. The sweeping operations hit residences and offices linked to key figures Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta across Delhi, Goa, and Gurugram.
The raids stem from the horrific fire on December 6, 2023, that ripped through the club during a packed dance party, claiming 25 lives and injuring several others. Amidst the chaos, shocking revelations emerged about the club’s illegal operations, flouting of safety norms, and dubious permissions on what was originally khazan land designated for salt pans.
ED’s focus is squarely on money laundering angles under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators suspect the promoters laundered illicit funds through unauthorized construction and fake licenses. Teams scoured eight to nine locations, including Outram Lane in Delhi’s Kingsway Camp, Tatvam Villa in Gurugram, and multiple spots in Goa.
Adding to the intensity, ED personnel also descended on the homes of former sarpanch Roshan Redkar and panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar, accused of issuing fraudulent trade licenses and no-objection certificates (NOCs). Another target was Surinder Kumar Khosla’s premises, as probes delve into how protected khazan land was illegally converted for commercial use.
This tragedy exposed deep rot in Goa’s nightlife underbelly, where profit trumped safety. The Luthra brothers and associates already face police scrutiny, with some in custody. ED’s intervention signals a no-holds-barred pursuit of hidden financial trails, promising accountability for the 25 innocent lives lost. As searches continue, the nation watches for breakthroughs that could unravel a web of corruption.