Goa Nightclub Assets Seized by ED for Money Laundering After Fatal Fire

The Enforcement Directorate has seized assets worth ₹17.45 crore. This is part of an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to a fatal nightclub fire.
By Newsroom | Crime, Goa |

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved to attach immovable assets valued at ₹17.45 crore. This action stems from an ongoing money laundering investigation concerning the promoters of a Goa-based nightclub where a fire in December 2025 claimed 25 lives. The attached properties are situated within Goa and are linked to the nightclub's operations.

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"The Enforcement Directorate attached immovable assets worth ₹17.45 crore as part of its money laundering investigation against the promoters of a Goa-based nightclub where 25 people were killed in a blaze in December 2025."

The ED's action highlights a pattern of alleged financial impropriety intertwined with operational negligence, a scenario amplified by the fatal consequences of the nightclub fire.

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Allegations of Forgery and Unlicensed Operation Surface

The investigation further reveals that the nightclub, identified as 'Birch by Romeo Lane', allegedly operated with forged No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), including a fake health NOC and a forged police clearance certificate. Investigations indicate the establishment continued commercial operations despite the absence and expiry of mandatory licenses, with the trade license reportedly expiring on March 31, 2024, and remaining unrenewed.

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Meanwhile, a Goa court has granted bail to Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, identified as owners of the nightclub, in a separate forgery case. The brothers had previously secured bail in the case directly related to the fire incident. The Luthra brothers, along with Surinder Kumar Khosla, are among those whose assets are reportedly included in the ED's attachment.

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"A Goa court on Wednesday granted bail to Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the nightclub, in a forgery case."

Investigation Scope and Prior Actions

The ED's money laundering investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Prior to the asset attachment, searches were conducted in January 2026 at multiple premises linked to the nightclub in Goa, Delhi, and Haryana. These searches resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents, digital devices, and the freezing of bank accounts totaling approximately ₹59 lakh. The Interpol had previously issued a blue notice against the Luthra brothers, who reportedly fled to Thailand following the fire before their deportation to India.

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Background: The December 2025 Fire

The fire incident occurred on December 6, 2025, in North Goa's Arpora, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals, including five tourists. Reports indicate the nightclub lacked essential safety clearances, including a fire department NOC, excise department liquor permission, and building clearance. The Luthra brothers had allegedly booked flights to flee the country shortly after the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Enforcement Directorate seize assets of a Goa nightclub?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized immovable assets worth ₹17.45 crore from a Goa-based nightclub. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering allegations against the nightclub's promoters.
Q: What is the connection between the asset seizure and the December 2025 fire?
The money laundering probe is linked to a fire that occurred at the nightclub in December 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 25 people. The ED is investigating financial impropriety connected to the establishment.
Q: What other allegations are being investigated against the nightclub?
The nightclub, 'Birch by Romeo Lane', is also being investigated for allegedly operating with forged No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and continuing operations after its trade license expired on March 31, 2024, without renewal.
Q: Have the owners of the nightclub been granted bail?
Yes, owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra have been granted bail by a Goa court in a separate forgery case. They had previously received bail in the case directly related to the fire incident.
Q: What actions did the ED take before seizing the assets?
Before attaching assets, the ED conducted searches in January 2026 at multiple locations in Goa, Delhi, and Haryana. They seized documents, digital devices, and froze bank accounts totaling approximately ₹59 lakh.