Rise and fall of millionaire Luthra brothers: The various business ventures of Goa nightclub owners

A massive blaze broke out at their nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident and killing at least 25 people (Image: News18)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Goa nightclub ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, are in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. They are believed to have fled to Phuket in Thailand after a massive blaze broke out in their nightclub in Arpora, claiming 25 lives.

During the investigation triggered by the filing of a First Information Report (FIR), authorities discovered from immigration records that the duo had taken IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket at 5:30 am on Sunday, December 7 -- mere hours after the midnight incident.

Authorities have now sought the assistance of Interpol to trace and arrest the promoters. The tragedy has also brought renewed scrutiny to the business empire they built over the last ten years.

The rise of Luthra brothers

The Luthras entered the hospitality arena around ten years back in 2016, when they started Mama’s Buoi, a nightclub at Hudson Lane, according to a report by CNN-News18. Situated near Civil Lines and close to Delhi University’s North Campus, Hudson Lane is a popular hangout for students. Mama’s Buoi quickly became a hit, giving the Luthra brothers an early breakthrough.

Followed by Mama’s Buoi was Dramebaaz, a fast food joint and then they launched a chain, Romeo Lane.

"As I stand at this juncture, reflecting on the incredible journey started in 2016 with Mama's Buoi in Hudson Lane to the expansion of Romeo Lane across multiple cities, it's a rush of emotions. The overwhelming love and support received have fueled our growth in the hospitality industry. As we venture into new cities, I'm humbled by the opportunity to give back and share the warmth of hospitality. Yet, amidst this expansion, the heart always returns to its origins," Saurabh wrote in a 2023 Instagram post.

As per the CNN-News18 report, the brothers also added Birch by Romeo Lane and Caha to their expanding portfolio. Their operations eventually expanded with over 20 outlets across India and even moved internationally.

Romeo Lane’s website describes Saurabh Luthra as a “gold medallist engineer turned into a promising and fastest-growing restaurateur". It says he is “known for his public relations and organic cocktails served at his outlets".

Saurabh has bagged several awards in the hospitality sector over the last few years.

Gaurav Luthra, also an engineer, handles accounts and operations for their enterprise, GS Foods Studio Pvt Ltd, according to a report in The Times of India.

Net worth of Luthra brothers

Though the Luthra brothers aren’t on billionaire rankings and have no public disclosures, Romeo Lane’s fast-paced growth indicates a valuation running into several hundred crores.

Industry estimates place their yearly revenue between Rs 200 and 300 crore, and their personal net worth between Rs 150 and 250 crore, the CNN-News18 report mentioned. They are also known to own upscale Delhi properties and luxury vehicles.

Spotlight on Luthra brothers: What triggered it?

A massive blaze broke out at their nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident and killing at least 25 people, most of whom were staff of the restaurant. The Government of Goa formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Soon after the incident, the brothers fled to Thailand and are now being tracked by international authorities. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has also been issued against them.

Meanwhile, they have moved an anticipatory bail application, and the Sessions Court is expected to hear the matter today, a lawyer from their legal team confirmed to ANI.

On Tuesday, the Goa Police detained Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub. "We have detained Ajay Gupta, one of the owners of the nightclub. This is the sixth person to be held in connection with the case," a Goa police spokesperson said.