Earlier in the day, Goa Police detained businessman Ajay Gupta, one of the nightclub’s four financial partners, from a Delhi hospital. He was taken into custody while undergoing treatment at the Institute of Brain and Spine in Lajpat Nagar. Officials said a transit remand has been sought from Saket Court to transfer him to Goa for further interrogation.
Gupta, who covered his face while being escorted by officers, told reporters, “I am just a business partner. I don’t know anything beyond that.” His detention marks the sixth arrest in the case. Managers Rajiv Modak, Vivek Singh, Rajiv Singhania, Riyanshu Thakur, and staffer Bharat Kohli were arrested earlier.
Investigators believe Gupta and his brother Rajesh Gupta were among the major financial backers of the Luthras, and hope his questioning will help locate the absconding owners.
Meanwhile, the Goa administration on Tuesday demolished another property linked to the Luthra brothers — the Romeo Lane Beach Shack in Vagator. Tourism officials said the structure was an illegal encroachment, and around 198 square metres of construction was cleared on the chief minister’s orders.
The state government has formed a four-member magisterial committee to probe the fire, review lapses, and recommend safety measures for nightclubs, bars, and event venues. Fresh advisories have also been issued tightening compliance norms.
Adding to the controversy, landowner Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar claimed the nightclub was illegally built on salt pans, and said the land has been under dispute in court for nearly 20 years.
