Goa Nightclub Fire: Blue Corner Notice Sought Against Accused Who Fled to UK

Panaji, Dec 20: Goa Police have initiated the process to secure a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, an accused in the December 6 nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, through Central agencies, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

The officer said Khosla was present in Goa when the incident occurred and fled to the UK, probably the next day. “We have started the process to issue him a Blue Corner Notice to bring him from the UK. Formalities required to be completed with Central agencies are being initiated,” he added.

Khosla is believed to be one of the owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora where the massive fire broke out on the night of December 6. The land on which the nightclub was built had been leased to Khosla, who is reportedly locked in a prolonged legal battle with the original landowner, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar.

“Khosla was in Goa when the fire occurred. However, he later fled to the UK, probably on the next day (December 7),” the police officer said.

Police have so far arrested eight people in connection with the incident, including nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta, along with five others. (Agencies)