The deportation process of the Luthra brothers, owners of the Goa nightclub where a deadly fire on December 6 claimed 25 lives, is nearing completion, with their return to India from Thailand likely within the next 24–48 hours, according to top government sources cited by CNN News18.
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who own the Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, fled to Thailand within hours of the incident. Subsequently, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok initiated coordination with Thai authorities to facilitate the deportation process.
“The deportation of the Luthra brothers from Thailand is almost complete. All legal and procedural hurdles have been cleared," said sources.“The officials are coordinating closely with Indian agencies to ensure smooth transfer," said sources.
Thai authorities have provided full cooperation, moving swiftly after cancelling the duo’s visas and placing them in detention.
Meanwhile, a multi-agency Indian team comprising investigative and immigration authorities is overseeing each step of the deportation process. “They don’t want to avoid delays or legal complications," the sources added.
“The deportation is being executed under established Interpol-linked legal procedures. This is to ensure Thailand sends them back to the port of origin, as per international norms. Local court formalities related to detention and deportation have been addressed. This is clearing the way for physical handover to Indian authorities," sources told CNN-News18.
Indian authorities subsequently revoked the brothers’ passports under Section 10A of the Passports Act, a move that resulted in the automatic loss of their lawful immigration status in Thailand, sources said. Under Thailand’s Immigration Act B.E. 2522, foreign nationals without valid travel documents are liable to detention.
Following the cancellation of their visas, the Luthra brothers were classified as illegal foreign nationals, leading to their detention and enabling fast-tracked deportation proceedings under Thai immigration laws.
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