The owners of a nightclub in Goa, India, where a devastating fire killed 25 people on Sunday, reportedly fled the country hours after the tragedy, according to police.
Indian authorities confirmed that the two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, boarded a flight to Phuket, Thailand, shortly after the incident.
Initial investigations suggest that the fierce blaze was ignited by fireworks set off inside the venue, Birch By Romeo Lane, which is located in a popular nightlife area in Goa, a coastal state known for its tourism.
The majority of the victims were staff members, with four being holidaymakers from Delhi. Five others remain hospitalized with injuries.
In response to the incident, police have appealed to Interpol for assistance in locating and arresting the Luthra brothers.
Authorities had previously attempted to raid the brothers' home in Delhi but found that they had already left the country, an action police claim reflects their intent to evade investigation.
Saurabh Luthra posted a statement on social media expressing 'profound grief' but did not mention his location or the ongoing investigation. He claimed the management would support families affected by the tragedy.
In the immediate aftermath of the fire, at least four arrests were made, including the nightclub manager.
The Birch nightclub was reportedly crowded with guests when the fire broke out during a DJ performance, leading to chaotic scenes as patrons attempted to escape.
Witnesses described panic as people tried to flee the venue, which was constructed on an island, complicating firefighting efforts.
While initial reports suggested that a gas canister explosion caused the fire, investigators now believe pyrotechnics ignited wooden ceiling beams.
Among the deceased were migrant workers, including Nepalese nationals, as well as two brothers engaged to be married next year and four members of a single family from Delhi.
Police successfully returned the bodies of all victims to their families.
