By Sahil Pandey
Bangkok, Dec 15 — The planned deportation of brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra from Thailand to India is in its final phase, with officials indicating a return to New Delhi is likely soon.
Indian authorities have provided Thai officials with the necessary paperwork, including Emergency Certificates issued after the brothers’ passports were cancelled, and sources say most procedural obstacles have been cleared. Thai immigration is coordinating closely with its Indian counterparts and intends to present the case to a local Bangkok court — a required final legal step under Thai law before a deportation order can be carried out.
A legal team representing the brothers was allowed a roughly 30-minute meeting with them while they remain in Thai custody. Thai police detained the siblings at a Phuket resort on Thursday after India moved to suspend their passports, and local authorities say the detention followed a formal request from Indian law enforcement. An Indian law enforcement group is reported to be assisting with return formalities. India and Thailand have an extradition agreement in force since 2015, which underpins the cooperation.
Thai officials have emphasized that due process will be observed as the two governments work together to effect a lawful and prompt handover. The Indian Embassy in Bangkok is also actively coordinating with Thai authorities on the matter.
The recent rapid progress marks a change from earlier expectations that the case could face an extended legal contest in Bangkok, amid competing claims and human rights concerns related to the cancellation of travel documents.
The case stems from a deadly blaze on December 6 at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, which killed 25 people — five tourists and 20 staff. Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra are owners of the restaurant associated with the venue.
