Goa court grants bail to Ajay Gupta in nightclub fire case

A Goa sessions court on March 23 granted bail to Ajay Gupta, a partner in the business venture behind the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, where a December 2025 fire killed 25 people including five tourists.

Gupta, whose name appeared alongside the main accused Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, was granted bail on a bond of ₹50,000. The Court directed him to surrender his passport and not leave the country or tamper with evidence.

Gupta’s lawyer, advocate Rohan Desai, argued that his client had no active role in the club's daily operations and had been implicated only because of his partnership status. His involvement was limited and there is no evidence showing direct participation, Desai argued. 

The prosecution alleged that a no-objection certificate submitted for club operations was forged. However, Desai maintained that he had no role in preparing or submitting any such document. They also contended that given over 300 witnesses cited for trial, his continued detention served no purpose till the completion of the trial.

A sessions court had earlier rejected the bail applications of main accused Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra.

The Enforcement Directorate is separately probing money-laundering allegations linked to the nightclub’s operations.