HC converts civil suit into PIL

GOA NIGHTCLUB FIRE

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The Bombay High Court Monday converted a civil suit against Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), saying "someone has to be held accountable" for the tragedy in which 25 people were killed.

In a related development, Thai authorities are set to take up the case involving Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the nightclub, with a Bangkok court likely to decide the next course of action, according to sources.

The Luthras left for Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the fire incident. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them.

They were detained by Thai authorities in Phuket December 11 following an intervention by the Indian mission, which is in close touch with the Thai government in the case.

The Goa police have arrested six persons, including managers and staff members of the club, so far in connection with the December 6 fire tragedy.

In a stern observation, the Goa bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan said the local panchayat had "failed to take suo motu cognisance" of the club and had taken "no action despite complaints."