Mapusa: The three accused in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire case surrendered before the Additional District and Sessions Court in Mapusa on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s direction after it refused to interfere with the cancellation of their bail.
Advocate Saumya Drago, appearing for the accused, said the court accepted their surrender and passed the necessary orders.
The accused are nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, and their business partner, Ajay Gupta.
The Supreme Court had on August 31 dismissed their pleas challenging the Bombay High Court’s order cancelling the bail granted to them and directed them to surrender within two weeks. The apex court had also asked the trial court to expedite the proceedings, particularly the framing of charges.
The fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, on December 6, 2025, claimed 25 lives and left several others injured.
Drago told reporters on Monday that an application was also filed before the court seeking certain medical accommodations for her clients, based on their medical history, doctors’ prescriptions, and medical records.
The application sought permission for a mattress and specialised footwear.
The court granted permission for the required medicines and a mattress. However, a decision on the specialised footwear has been kept pending, with the judge seeking a response from the Investigating Officer, she said.
The matter is expected to be taken up on the next working day, Drago added.
The Bombay High Court had cancelled the bail granted to the three accused on August 18, observing the seriousness of the case and the need for further legal proceedings. The accused subsequently approached the Supreme Court, which declined to interfere with the High Court’s order.
