Goa Police have suspended the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the prime accused in the Goa nightclub fire case who fled to Thailand hours after the blaze that killed 25 people. The move blocks the brothers from travelling onward from Phuket and, officials say, marks a major breakthrough that strengthens India’s chances of getting them deported through diplomatic channels with Interpol’s help.

The external affairs ministry has received a formal request from the Goa government to revoke the Luthras’ passports, senior officials told PTI. Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice against the brothers on Tuesday, and they are believed to be hiding in Phuket.

Investigators say the brothers booked their tickets to Thailand at 1.17 a.m. on December 7, barely an hour after news of the fire at

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