Goa Nightclub Fire: Police Begin Process for Blue Corner Notice Against Khosla, Who Fled to UK

Panaji: Goa Police have initiated the process to seek a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, an accused in the December 6 fire at a nightclub in North Goa that claimed 25 lives. A senior police officer said the process is being carried out through Central agencies as Khosla is believed to have fled to the United Kingdom shortly after the incident.

Police said Khosla was present in Goa when the fire broke out at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora on the night of December 6. He is suspected to have left the country the following day. “We have started the formal process to issue a Blue Corner Notice to trace his whereabouts and bring him back from the UK. The required procedures with Central agencies are being initiated,” the officer said.

Khosla is believed to be one of the owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora where a massive fire broke out on the night of December 6. The incident triggered widespread outrage and raised serious questions about safety standards and licensing violations at nightlife venues in the state.

Police said the land on which the nightclub was constructed had been leased to Khosla. He has been involved in a prolonged legal dispute with the original landowner, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, over ownership and related issues.

So far, Goa Police have arrested eight people in connection with the case, including nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta, along with five others. Investigators are examining possible lapses in fire safety measures, building permissions and crowd management that may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Blue Corner Notice, once issued through Interpol channels, will help authorities locate Khosla abroad and gather information on his movements as part of the ongoing investigation.