Ajay Gupta, one of the co-owners of Goa’s ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, when brought to the Delhi Crime Branch’s recovery and anti-kidnapping cell on Wednesday in connection with the fire incident, said he is “only a partner”.
Gupta, wearing a mask and covering most of his face, made the brief remarks while entering the crime branch office located in Sunlight Colony.
Sources said Goa Police interrogated him and have initiated formal proceedings for his arrest and transit remand. Sources said Gupta was evading investigators after the arson incident in North Goa’s Arpora area on December 6.
“A Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against Gupta after Goa Police failed to locate him in Delhi in the first instance,” a source said. He was later found in a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had admitted himself citing health issues related to spine. After medical examination, he was taken into custody and brought to the Crime Branch office for further action. Gupta is likely to be arrested after Goa Police completes the formalities of transit remand, he said.
Goa Police has so far arrested five staff members of the nightclub including chief general manager of the nightclub Rajeev Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajeev Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and employee Bharat Kohli.
Meanwhile, two owners of the nightclub, Luthra brothers Saurabh and Gaurav, fled India after the incident that took place on the night of December 6. Interpol’s ‘Blue Corner Notice’ has been issued against him.
According to the source, Gupta will be questioned extensively about the management of the club in Goa, operational responsibilities and compliance with fire safety rules.
