Goa: The Goa Police have begun formal proceedings to secure a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, a key accused in the tragic December 6 nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, officials confirmed on Saturday. The notice, sought through central agencies, is aimed at facilitating Khosla’s extradition from the UK.
A senior police officer stated that Khosla was present in Goa at the time of the blaze at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora but fled to the UK the following day. “We have initiated the process to issue a Blue Corner Notice for his return. All required formalities with the central agencies are being undertaken,” the officer said.
Khosla is reportedly one of the owners of the nightclub and holds the lease to the land where it was constructed. He has been involved in a prolonged legal dispute with the original landowner, Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar. The investigation into the fire, which has shaken the local community and authorities, is ongoing.
So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Among them are nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, along with five others linked to the establishment.
Authorities are pursuing all leads to ensure accountability and bring Khosla back to India to face the legal proceedings, as part of a wider effort to investigate the circumstances surrounding the devastating fire.