Rise and Fall of the Luthra Brothers: Inside the Business Empire Behind the Goa Nightclub Tragedy
Luthra brothers flee after Goa nightclub fire that killed 25, putting spotlight on their rapid rise, vast hospitality ventures, and ongoing international manhunt.
Goa nightclub fire triggers probe as owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra flee to Thailand amid mounting scrutiny of their hospitality empire.
Saurabh along with Gaurav Luthra—who had been regarded as India's two fastest-growing hospitality moguls—are now in the middle of a big row due to a fire that broke out in their Goa night club 'Birch by Romeo Lane' and took at least 25 lives. The disaster has pulled the business empire the siblings erected over the last ten years into the glaring spotlight.
Flight to Phuket After the Fire
A massive blaze broke out at the Arpora-based nightclub shortly after midnight. During the investigation that followed the filing of an FIR, authorities discovered from immigration data that the Luthra brothers had boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket at 5:30 am on Sunday, December 7 — just hours after the incident.
With the duo believed to have fled the country, Goa Police have requested Interpol’s help to trace and apprehend them. A Blue Corner Notice has been issued as the authorities expand their international search.
How the Luthras Built Their Hospitality Empire
The rise of the Luthra brothers began in 2016, when they launched Mama’s Buoi, a vibrant nightclub located in Delhi’s Hudson Lane — a bustling student hotspot near Delhi University’s North Campus. The outlet quickly gained popularity, marking their breakthrough in the hospitality industry.
Following the success of Mama’s Buoi, the brothers expanded with:
Dramebaaz, a fast-food outlet
Romeo Lane, which became their flagship brand
Birch by Romeo Lane
Caha, a premium dining venture
By 2023, their portfolio had grown to more than 20 outlets across major Indian cities and international locations.
In a 2023 Instagram post, Saurabh reflected on their rapid expansion, stating that the journey from Mama’s Buoi to Romeo Lane’s pan-India presence was “a rush of emotions,” crediting public support for their growth.
Romeo Lane’s website describes Saurabh as a “gold medallist engineer turned promising restaurateur,” known for his strong public relations skills and signature cocktail menus. He has received several awards for innovation in hospitality.
Gaurav Luthra, also an engineer, oversees accounts and operations for their company, GS Foods Studio Pvt Ltd, as reported by The Times of India.
Wealth and Growth: A Multi-Crore Hospitality Network
While the Luthras do not feature on any billionaire lists and have no public financial disclosures, industry estimates suggest:
Estimated group revenue: ₹200–300 crore annually
Personal net worth: ₹150–250 crore combined
Assets: High-end Delhi properties, luxury vehicles, and premium restaurant leases
Their rise represented one of the fastest expansions in Delhi’s hospitality scene over the last decade.
The Tragedy That Changed Everything
The fire at Birch by Romeo Lane left at least 25 people dead, many of them staff members working the late shift. The Goa government has formed a committee to investigate the cause, safety compliance, and potential negligence.
As the investigation intensified, the Luthras left the country, drawing public outrage and triggering the Interpol notice. They have now filed an anticipatory bail application, with the Sessions Court scheduled to hear the matter.
Meanwhile, Goa Police have detained Ajay Gupta — one of the four owners of the nightclub — marking the sixth arrest in connection with the case.
