Co-owner detained: 'I was unaware of nightclub's flaws'

One of the co-owners of the ill-fated Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives, has asserted his minimal involvement. Ajay Gupta, who had been evading authorities for two days, was taken into custody in Delhi. He stated that his role was strictly that of a "sleeping partner," implying he had no operational knowledge or awareness of any potential safety oversights at the venue.

Gupta's detention followed his release from a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had allegedly sought treatment for a spinal ailment. Goa Police apprehended him shortly after his discharge. His statements place the responsibility for the nightclub's alleged lapses squarely on the shoulders of fellow owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, as investigations into the tragedy continue.

The incident has raised serious questions about safety regulations and enforcement at popular establishments. Gupta's claim of ignorance highlights a potential disconnect between ownership and operational management, complicating the ongoing inquiry into the causes of the catastrophic fire that resulted in significant loss of life.