Just 14 days after being showcased by Forbes India as a visionary “redefining India’s hospitality landscape,” Romeo Lane founder Saurabh Luthra now faces arrest following the horrific fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, which killed 25 people and injured several others.
The Forbes feature, posted on November 17, portrayed Luthra as a transformative force in India’s nightlife and dining culture — praising his rapid expansion, brand-building ability and ambition to “redefine what an Indian brand can achieve.”
But the deadly blaze at Birch, a club operating under the Romeo Lane umbrella, has placed the brand under national scrutiny, exposing alleged illegal operations, ignored safety warnings and an ongoing land dispute.
From Forbes spotlight to criminal investigation
Local authorities have confirmed that:
• The nightclub was operating without permission from the Arpora village panchayat
• Multiple demolition notices had been issued
• A land dispute with owners (including families named Khosla and Luthra) was ongoing
• The fire department’s NOC is now under investigation for alleged non-compliance
• A mezzanine-floor kitchen was built illegally, blocking escape routes
The Goa Chief Minister announced that an FIR has been registered against the owner and general manager, with more arrests likely as the investigation widens.
A brand in the spotlight for the wrong reasons
What was marketed as a luxury nightlife landmark has now become one of the worst fire tragedies in Goa’s recent history. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as partygoers were trapped by smoke, blocked exits and collapsing structures.
A security guard told reporters the venue was preparing for a DJ event and could have hosted over 100 people — implying casualties could have been even higher had the fire broken out later.
Contrasting realities: PR success vs. operational failures
The polished Forbes profile portrayed a rising hospitality empire. The reality now emerging is a story of:
• Unauthorized construction
• Safety violations
• Disregarded legal notices
• Negligent operations
The contrast has shocked the public, turning what was once a celebrated nightlife brand into the center of a national conversation on nightclub safety and regulatory collapse.
