“I Was Only Sleeping Partner”: Arrested Co-Owner Of Goa Nightclub Speaks After Detention
The investigation into the tragic Goa nightclub fire has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of Ajay Gupta, one of the listed co-owners of the club. Gupta, who had been untraceable for days, was detained in Delhi and has claimed he had no operational role in the establishment, describing himself as “only a sleeping partner.”
Who Is Ajay Gupta?
Ajay Gupta is one of the four partners associated with the nightclub where a devastating fire recently killed 25 people. According to official documents, his name appears alongside the Luthra brothers — Saurabh and Gaurav — as registered partners of the club. Despite this, Gupta maintains that he was merely a passive investor who had no involvement in how the nightclub functioned.
Speaking to reporters after his detention, he said:
“I was only a sleeping partner. I don’t know anything about the lapses.”
His statement, however, has raised eyebrows in the investigative team.
How He Tried to Evade Arrest
According to investigators, Ajay Gupta became unreachable shortly after the incident. When police visited his registered address, he was not found. A Look-Out Circular was then issued to prevent him from attempting to leave the country.
In a surprising development, Gupta later surfaced at a private hospital in Delhi, claiming he had a spinal ailment. Police believe this hospital admission was a strategic attempt to avoid arrest. After doctors discharged him, officers immediately detained him.
Authorities say his sudden hospitalization, coinciding with the LOC, has cast doubt on his claim of innocence.
What the Police Are Saying
Police officials have begun procedures to transfer Gupta to Goa for interrogation. They emphasize that being a “sleeping partner” does not erase legal responsibility, especially in a case involving mass casualties.
Investigators are now examining:
Ownership documents
Financial records
Internal communication
Licensing and safety compliance records
The goal is to establish the extent of each partner’s involvement — whether active or passive — and who should be held accountable for safety violations that may have contributed to the fire.
Luthra Brothers Still Missing
While Ajay Gupta has been detained, the main operational partners — the Luthra brothers — remain absconding. Reports indicate they may have fled the country. International notices have been issued to track them down.
Five staff members of the nightclub have already been arrested. All face potential charges related to negligence, illegal construction, or safety lapses.
Why Authorities Doubt the “Sleeping Partner” Claim
Investigators have flagged several reasons to question Gupta’s defence:
1. His Name Is on Official Ownership Records
Documents clearly list him as a partner, making him legally responsible.
2. His Attempt to Dodge Arrest Appears Suspicious
The hospital stay and initial disappearance have raised doubts about his transparency.
3. The Scale of the Tragedy Demands Accountability
With 25 lives lost, the police are unlikely to take any partner’s claim at face value.
4. Business Operations Cannot Overlook Safety Compliance
Even passive investors can be held responsible if the business was operating in violation of law.
Why This Case Matters
The Goa nightclub fire has become a national conversation about:
Fire safety compliance
Accountability in commercial establishments
The responsibility of investors versus operational partners
The functioning of nightlife venues in tourist states
Authorities believe this case could set an important precedent. If “sleeping partners” are also questioned and held responsible, it may push clubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues to take safety regulations more seriously.
