New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has labelled ₹22 crore in revenue generated by Goa nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ as proceeds of money laundering linked to the latter’s illegal operations prior to the December 6 fire at Arpora village during a dance event. As many as 25 persons were killed and 50 injured in the devastating blaze.
ED raids across Goa, Delhi, and Haryana uncovered forged licenses and fund diversions, intensifying scrutiny on the club’s promoters amid public outrage over safety lapses.
ED searches on January 23 targeted brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra—Delhi-based restaurateurs and co-owners of the Romeo Lane chain, besides co-owner Ajay Gupta and local officials. Authorities allege the club operated without the mandatory approvals, including fire safety NOCs, on illegally converted khazan (salt pan) land owned partly by British national Surinder Kumar Khosla who is currently subject to an Interpol Red Notice.
ED statements reveal the ₹22 crore earned in 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal was “prima facie proceeds of crime,” with crores routed to personal accounts and group entities. Forged documents procured trade licenses from former panchayat officials Roshan Redkar and Raghuvir Bagkar, who face arrests alongside the Luthras. The two brothers were deported from Thailand following the incident. Frozen bank accounts and evidence of foreign remittances indicate broader laundering networks.
While Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant has vowed a thorough probe into the club’s violations since 1999, opposition leaders demand stricter enforcement of the relevant laws.
