The owners of a nightclub in Goa, India, where a devastating fire killed 25 people on Sunday, fled the country shortly after the tragedy, police have reported.
Indian authorities confirmed that the two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, boarded a flight to Phuket in Thailand following the incident.
Investigators believe the fire was ignited by fireworks being set off inside the venue, Birch By Romeo Lane, located in a bustling nightlife district of Goa, a coastal state popular with both domestic and international tourists.
The majority of the victims were staff members, while four were holidaymakers visiting from Delhi. Currently, five individuals are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
Police have also sought Interpol's assistance in locating and apprehending the Luthra brothers, who indicated a desire to evade the investigation.
It shows their intent to avoid police investigation, Goa police said in a formal statement.
Saurabh Luthra, who identifies as the chairman of the club's operating company, posted a statement online expressing profound grief but did not address his current location.
In the initial aftermath of the fire, at least four individuals were arrested, including the venue's manager, as the investigation continues.
The Birch nightclub, located in Arpora, was crowded with customers who had come to enjoy a Bollywood DJ when the fire broke out in the early hours. Eyewitnesses described scenes of total panic as patrons attempted to escape.
The venue, situated on an island accessible via narrow walkways, posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts.
Authorities initially speculated that an exploding gas canister caused the fire. However, it is now believed that the pyrotechnics ignited wooden beams in the ceiling.
Within the victims were several migrant workers who had come to Goa in search of jobs, including four nationals from Nepal. The deceased included two brothers set to be married next year and four members of the same family from Delhi.
Police confirmed that the bodies of all victims have been returned to their families as investigations into the incident continue.
