Goa nightclub fire: Co-owner Ajay Gupta taken to Delhi Crime Branch; he says he is only a 'partner'

Ajay Gupta, one of the co-owners of Goa`s `Birch by Romeo Lane` nightclub, being brought to the Delhi Police Crime Branch office on Wednesday. PIC/PTI

Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, said he was "only a partner" while being brought to Delhi's Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell on Wednesday in connection with the fire that killed 25 people on December 7, news agency PTI reported.

Wearing a mask and covering most of his face, Gupta made the brief remark while entering the crime branch office at Sunlight Colony. He was later taken to LNJP Hospital for medical tests before being moved to Saket court for transit remand.

Sources told PTI that he was questioned by the Goa Police, which initiated formal procedures to apprehend him and seek a transit remand. The sources added that Gupta had been evading investigators since the blaze in north Goa's Arpora area.

"A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him after Goa Police failed to find him in Delhi during their first search. He was later located at a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had reportedly admitted himself citing spine-related medical issues. After medical clearance, he was detained and brought to the Crime Branch office for further procedures," the source told PTI.

Gupta is likely to be placed under arrest once Goa Police completes the formalities for transit remand.

Goa Police have already arrested five staff members of the nightclub, Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli, in connection with the tragedy.

Meanwhile, two owners of the nightclub, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, left India shortly after the incident. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them.

Gupta will face detailed questioning in Goa about the club's management, operational responsibilities, and fire-safety compliance, sources said.

Goa nightclub fire case: Luthra brothers seek anticipatory bail as Romeo Lane set for demolition

The Luthra brothers, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, have filed an anticipatory bail application, with the sessions court expected to hear the case on Thursday, a lawyer from their team said.

Meanwhile, authorities plan to demolish a beach shack owned by the brothers, who also run the Arpora nightclub where a recent fire claimed 25 lives. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said bulldozers will raze Romeo Lane in Vagator, after the restaurant, reportedly built on government land, was sealed by officials.

The investigation continues to focus on the tragic fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Addressing allegations of police negligence, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma said, "We have coordinated with the CBI and Interpol. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued."

(With PTI inputs)