Panaji, Jan 23 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted extensive search operations at eight locations in Delhi and Goa linked to the Luthra brothers — Saurabh and Gaurav — following their arrest in connection with the December 6 nightclub fire that killed 25 people.

Agency sources confirmed that the raids target financial irregularities and suspected money laundering activities tied to the management of the nightclub. “Teams are currently examining digital evidence and financial records to establish a trail of illicit funds,” an official privy to the development said.

The federal probe agency targeted five premises in Delhi and three in Goa, including the private residences of the Luthra brothers.

This action follows the recent arrest of the duo, who faced immediate scrutiny after the fire incident exposed systemic lapses at their establishment in the coastal state.

The December 6 tragedy, which remains one of the deadliest fire incidents in Goa’s recent history, resulted in 25 fatalities and left more than 50 injured.

Saurabh and Gaurav were brought back to India on December 17 from Thailand, 11 days after the fire at their nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane at a village in Goa. The local police initially filed charges related to culpable homicide and negligence.

The ED intervened after detecting signs of large-scale financial mismanagement and suspicious transactions surrounding the club’s operations.

Investigators focus on identifying the source of investment for the nightclub and other properties held by the Luthra brothers. Reports suggest the agency initiated this specific investigation based on previously registered cases involving the duo. Friday’s search operation serves to gather corroborative evidence regarding those earlier financial crimes.

Officials said that the Luthra brothers allegedly routed funds through multiple shell companies to manage their hospitality ventures.

The ED aims to determine if the revenue generated by the club was diverted or laundered through these entities.

The ED sleuths are currently scrutinising bank statements and property documents recovered during the morning raids.

Sources indicated that the ED might seek further custodial interrogation of the Luthra brothers to clarify discrepancies found in the seized documents.

The investigation continues as authorities piece together the financial history of the Luthra business empire and its links to the fatal fire incident.

— IANS

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