Goa nightclub owners offer ₹15 lakh ex gratia to kin of people killed in fire; HC seeks reply

Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub where a massive fire killed 25 people, upon their arrival in New Delhi on December 16, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) asked the families of the 25 people who were killed in a devastating fire at a Goa nightclub in December to respond to an offer by its owners to pay ₹15 lakh each as ex gratia compensation.A division bench of the HC in Goa recorded the statement made on behalf of Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, brothers and owners of the fire-hit nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, that they were willing to pay ₹15 lakh to each of the 25 victims' families.The bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar directed that the victims' families be asked whether they were willing to accept the proposed compensation.The court adjourned the matter to October 12 to enable the affected families to state their position on the proposed compensation.The offer comes in proceedings arising from the December 6, 2025, fire at the nightclub in Arpora in North Goa, in which 25 people, including five tourists, were killed and more than 50 others injured.The tragedy had led to a criminal investigation into alleged violations of licensing and fire-safety requirements at the premises.The compensation offer comes amid ongoing criminal proceedings against the nightclub's owners and other accused in connection with the tragedy.The Luthra brothers, along with their business partner Ajay Gupta, had earlier faced legal proceedings over allegations relating to the operation of the nightclub and circumstances surrounding the blaze.The Supreme Court recently declined to interfere with the HC's decision cancelling the bail granted to the three main accused (two Luthra brothers and Gupta) and directed them to surrender within two weeks. It also asked the trial court in Goa to expedite the proceedings, including framing of charges.The trio subsequently surrendered before the Additional District and Sessions Court at Mapusa town.The HC's proceedings are being conducted suo motu (on its own) in connection with the nightclub fire.In February, the Goa police filed a chargesheet in a court in Mapusa against 13 people in connection with the fire at the nightclub, including its owners. Published - September 30, 2026 07:00 pm IST