ED Attaches Fresh Rs 11 Crore Assets in Goa Nightclub Fire Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached fresh assets worth more than Rs 11 crore in connection with its money laundering probe into the devastating fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people in December 2025.

The latest provisional attachment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) relates to immovable properties linked to the operators of the nightclub at Arpora in North Goa. With this action, the total value of assets attached or frozen in the case has risen to Rs 29.05 crore , according to the ED.

The fire broke out during a dance party on December 6, 2025 , triggering one of Goa’s deadliest nightlife disasters in recent years. Investigators later alleged that the establishment was operating without mandatory statutory approvals, including a valid fire no-objection certificate (NOC).

The ED probe stems from FIRs registered by Goa Police against promoter brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra and others under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities have accused the operators of using forged and fabricated documents , including fake health and police clearance certificates, to secure licences and project the nightclub as a legitimate business.

According to the agency, the nightclub’s trade licence expired on March 31, 2024, but commercial operations allegedly continued afterward without renewal. The ED has identified nearly Rs 29.78 crore earned between FY 2023-24 and December 2025 as alleged “proceeds of crime”.

Earlier searches conducted in Goa, Delhi and Haryana led to the seizure of incriminating documents, digital devices and the freezing of bank accounts containing about Rs 59 lakh.

The Luthra brothers had allegedly fled to Thailand hours after the fire but were later deported to India and arrested by Goa Police.