GOA: The owner of Birch by Romeo Lane, Saurabh Luthra, remains absconding following a devastating fire at his North Goa nightclub that claimed 25 lives and left several others injured. Until last year, Luthra had aimed to launch 50 restaurants across India. His LinkedIn profile lists him as “Chairman at Romeo Lane, Birch and Mama’s Buoi.”

Activist Tahir Noronha described Luthra as “like a ghost,” saying he rarely stays in Goa and often avoids legal proceedings, sending representatives in his place. Survivors and staff also described him as aloof, with one kitchen worker noting that Luthra visited the club only once a month and rarely interacted with employees.Management expresses sorrowIn a 1st statement released after the tragedy, the management of Birch by Romeo Lane expressed profound grief and said it was “deeply shaken” by the loss of lives. “In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured,” the statement said.The management added that it would provide “every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation” to the bereaved and affected individuals during this period of “immense anguish and adversity.”“The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch.In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity.The management further affirms that it shall extend every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals, as they navigate through this period of immense anguish and adversity.”Manager heldEarlier today, Goa police detained another manager associated with the nightclub, identified as Bharat, who reportedly handled the daily operations of Birch by Romeo Lane. Authorities are investigating the full sequence of events that led to the blaze.Fire outbreak and aftermathAt the time of the fire, between 100 and 200 people were on the dance floor. Some patrons attempted to escape by running to the kitchen area, where they became trapped along with staff members. Investigations continuePolice have launched efforts to trace Luthra brothers as investigations into the incident continue and a look-out circular has been issued.The focus remains on accountability, safety compliance, and providing assistance to victims and their families during this period of immense distress

England team after losing the second Test in Brisbane (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: England cricket is under intense scrutiny following a 0-2 deficit in the 2025-26 Ashes series against Australia, with captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum’s ‘Bazball’ approach coming under fire. England lost both matches convincingly, with the first Test finishing in just two days and the second at the Gabba ending in an eight-wicket defeat.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Former England player Geoffrey Boycott, writing in The Telegraph, delivered a scathing critique of the team’s performance, pointing to flaws in batting, bowling, and fielding.

“After just six days of Ashes cricket, England need a miracle,” Boycott wrote.“Brisbane was a horror show: irresponsible batting, bowling too short, too wide or too full and catches dropped,” he stated, adding, “With this sort of batting and bowling, they couldn’t win an egg cup, let alone the Ashes urn.”Boycott also criticised the team’s reluctance to accept external advice despite years of preparation for Australia.“What a load of bulls—. We can’t believe anything Ben or his team say. None of them wants to listen to anyone outside of their own camp,” he wrote. “They are up their own backsides convinced that Test cricket has changed so much that only they know anything about the modern game.”He highlighted the repetitive nature of the team’s messaging.“All we ever hear from the captain is attack, and from the coach, keep the faith,” he noted.Individual performances came under fire as well, including Harry Brook and Ollie Pope.“So far in tight situations, Harry has let the team down… So far the penny has not dropped, maybe it never will,” Boycott wrote about Brook.Regarding Pope, he said: “You need to sell your wickets dearly. Too many times, Ollie gives it away…. He never learns, and he never fails to disappoint.”The bowling strategy was also criticised.“Why were we not bowling in the corridor of uncertainty… That is our strength, not bombarding the batsmen with short stuff,” Boycott wrote, while noting that Brydon Carse “was trying to knock a hole in the middle of the pitch.”He further questioned Will Jacks’ credentials as a Test player.With England needing to win the remaining three matches to reclaim the Ashes, Boycott described their ‘Bazball’ philosophy as existing in a bubble.

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Ranveer Singh’s latest release, ‘Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar, hit cinemas on December 5. The film marks Dhar’s return to direction after his 2019 debut ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, which starred Vicky Kaushal. The film is doing well at the box office. It has crossed Rs 90 crore up till Sunday evening and if there’s growth in the night shows, the film may cross Rs 100 crore mark within its first three days.As ‘Dhurandhar’ continues gaining momentum at the box office, social media has exploded with discussions and theories, especially around a detail that has sparked curiosity, whether Dhar has linked the film to ‘Uri’ through a shared universe. Here’s the connection which the internet was quick to find out.

Disclaimer: Spoiler ahead!

In ‘Uri’, there is a memorable scene where Vicky Kaushal’s character, Vihaan, meets Flight Lieutenant Seerat Kaur, an Air Force pilot whose Army officer husband was killed in an ambush. The role was played by Kirti Kulhari. This particular scene resurfaced after ‘Dhurandhar’ released, because Seerat reveals her husband’s name, Jaskirat Singh Rangi of the Punjab Regiment, who died in the Naushera Sector operation.Meanwhile, ‘Dhurandhar’, Ranveer Singh plays Hamza, chosen by the intelligence chief (played by R Madhavan) to secretly penetrate gangster Rehman Dakait’s network in Pakistan’s Lyari. The twist arrives in the climax, when it is revealed that Hamza is actually a prisoner named Jaskirat Singh Rangi, given this mission as part of redemption. Fans immediately spotted the shared name and began speculating online. Several videos of the ‘Uri’ scene and Ranveer’s character in ‘Dhurandhar’ have gone viral on the internet. One comment read, “Dhurandhar and Vicky Kaushal Uri are connected, with Ranveer Singh’s character Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Hamza) introduced in Uri. He’s an Indian spy who infiltrates Pakistan’s underworld to take down a gangster-ISI nexus,” while another said, “Can’t be a coincidence. Both films are directed by Aditya Dhar.”However, several fans dismissed the theory, noting that the timelines do not match. Many believe the name overlap could simply be accidental. For now, it remains a fan-made assumption, and any real answers about Hamza’s backstory are expected to unfold in ‘Dhurandhar 2’.The sequel to ‘Dhurandhar’ has already been announced and is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.

South Africa Women wrapped up the three-match T20I series with a game to spare after a commanding 65-run win over Ireland Women in the second T20I in Paarl. A composed half-century from Faye Tunnicliffe and a late-overs assault from Dane van Niekerk powered the hosts to a formidable 201 for 5, before Ireland’s chase faltered despite resistance from Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul.

Faye Tunnicliffe anchors South Africa’ start before Dane van Niekerk delivers a fiery finish

Making her return to international cricket, van Niekerk smashed 41 off just 19 balls, turning a solid South African innings into a daunting total. Her blitz featured three fours and three sixes, lifting the scoring rate past ten an over. She eventually fell to Arlene Kelly, but not before pushing South Africa beyond the 200-run mark for the second straight match.

Her late fireworks perfectly complemented opener Faye Tunnicliffe, who struck her maiden T20I fifty – a measured 40-ball half-century. Alongside Sune Luus, the pair put on a crucial 78-run opening stand, giving South Africa the ideal platform.

Chloe Tryon then added a rapid 16 not out off seven balls, also overtaking Lizelle Lee’s record for the most sixes by a South African in women’s T20Is (49).

Ireland seamer Aimee Maguire was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming 3 for 43, including the wickets of Tunnicliffe, Luus and captain Laura Wolvaardt.

Ireland’s cautious start undermines their chase

Chasing 202, Ireland began conservatively, crawling to 33 without loss in the powerplay. The slow tempo proved costly as Tryon removed both openers – Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis – to leave Ireland struggling at 35 for 2.

Although Ireland never threatened the target, they found stability through a determined third-wicket partnership. Leah Paul (40 off 29) and Orla Prendergast (51 not out off 43) put on 76 runs, showcasing composure but little acceleration as the required rate soared beyond reach.

Also READ: Fans react as Laura Wolvaardt’s century powers South Africa to commanding 105-run victory over Ireland in 1st T20I

Prendergast eventually reached her half-century in the final over, but by then the match had long drifted away. Ireland finished on 136 for 3, well short of the daunting total.

South Africa takes 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series #cricket #SAWvIREW #T20I pic.twitter.com/r78FtOhioY

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 8, 2025

With the series now sealed at 2-0, South Africa’s dominant batting displays – built on depth, aggression and van Niekerk’s impactful return – have been the standout story. Ireland, meanwhile, will look for sharper intent and improved powerplay execution in the final T20I to avoid a whitewash.

Also READ: “I need to clarify that…” – Smriti Mandhana calls off her wedding with Palash Muchhal

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

A science teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida, was arrested after investigators said he used a shared Google Doc to communicate secretly with a student before engaging in sexual acts with her at the school and in his flat, according to an arrest affidavit. Elias Gordon Farley, 26, was taken into custody after the student reported the alleged abuse on November 18, Fox News reported.Farley is charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor and offence against a student by an authority figure. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Centre on Dec. 4 and is being held on a $500,000 bond.According to the affidavit, the student told detectives the interactions began as casual conversations during the previous school year but that over the summer Farley created a shared Google Doc in which they exchanged messages. Investigators said the file later contained explicit entries describing sexual activity and planning when they would meet privately.The student said the relationship became physical in mid-September inside Farley’s office, where he touched her beneath her clothing. She told detectives the encounters continued for weeks in both his office and a classroom. By late September and into October, she said the pair engaged in sexual acts, including oral sex and intercourse inside a classroom on campus.She also described visiting Farley’s flat twice in early November after recognising details he had mentioned about its location and layout. Deputies said several sexual encounters occurred during those visits.Detectives executed a search warrant and found bedding, condom wrappers and furniture matching the student’s description. Farley’s flatmate confirmed he had not been home on the dates the student said she visited. School surveillance video reviewed by deputies showed Farley and the student entering his office together on Nov. 7 and later entering a classroom for about an hour.The situation came to light after the student confided in an art teacher on Nov. 14 and showed bruises and bite marks she said were inflicted by Farley. Administrators were informed the next day, suspended Farley immediately and reported the matter to child welfare authorities.Farley refused to speak with detectives after being read his Miranda rights, according to the affidavit.In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Donna Klein Jewish Academy said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and called the situation “a difficult time for all of us at Donna Klein.” “We are approaching this serious situation with the utmost care, keeping the well-being of our students, faculty and families at the forefront,” a spokesperson said. The spokesperson said no additional details would be released “out of respect for the privacy of our community” but that Farley is no longer employed at the school.

NEW DELHI: Police on Monday detained another manager linked to the tragic Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Goa that claimed 25 lives.The accused was identified as Bharat. According to police, he used to run daily operation of Birch by Romeo Lane at the club.

Owner still abscondingThe owner of Birch by Romeo Lane, Saurabh Luthra, remains absconding following the devastating fire at his Arpora nightclub on Saturday night, which claimed 25 lives and injured six others. Until last year, Luthra had aimed to launch 50 restaurants across India, but his weekend property turned into the site of one of Goa’s worst nightlife tragedies.

Saurabh Luthra

Luthra’s LinkedIn profile lists him as ‘Chairman at Romeo Lane, Birch and Mama’s Buoi’. Activist Tahir Noronha described him as “like a ghost,” saying he rarely stays in Goa and often avoids legal proceedings, sending representatives in his place.“He is out of touch with the impact of his ventures,” Noronha said. Socialites and staff also described him as aloof; Jayesh Diukar, a kitchen staffer who survived the fire, said Luthra visited the club only once a month and rarely interacted with employees.At least 100-200 persons were on the dance floor of a nightclub in North Goa when a fire broke out there, and in an attempt to escape, some of them ran downstairs to its kitchen where they got trapped along with the staff.While the state police said the blaze occurred at the nightclub due to a cylinder blast after midnight on Sunday, some of the eyewitnesses claimed the fire started on the club’s first floor, where tourists were dancing.Most of the dead were the club’s kitchen workers, and included three women, chief minister Pramod Sawant said. There were “three to four tourists” among those killed, he added.“There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, told PTI at Arpora in the wee hours of Sunday.

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: According to Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, the top stock picks for the week (starting December 8, 2025) are Safari Industries, and JSW Steel. Let’s take a look:

Safari IndustriesSafari Industries is consolidating its position as one of India’s fastest-growing luggage players, supported by a broad product portfolio, strong omnichannel reach, and expanding in-house manufacturing. Its emphasis on e-commerce and modern trade—combined with rapid growth of exclusive stores and deeper penetration into tier-2 and tier-3 cities—has created a solid demand engine. Improved efficiencies and backward integration at the Jaipur plant are strengthening cost management and aiding margin expansion. The company’s rising share in hard luggage and the premium Urban Jungle and SI-Select ranges reflects successful premiumization. With steady monthly store additions and increasing plant utilization, Safari is scaling smoothly. Despite competitive intensity in soft luggage, its focused execution, digital capabilities, and strengthening premium positioning support durable growth, healthy profitability, and expanding leadership in India’s organized luggage market.JSW SteelJSW Steel’s move to place Bhushan Power & Steel into a 50:50 joint venture with JFE Steel reflects a strategic pivot toward better capital efficiency and a technology-driven upgrade of its value-added steel offerings. The restructuring unlocks significant value created through the BPSL turnaround, demonstrated by the INR320b cash inflow and INR350b reduction in consolidated debt, enhancing JSW’s financial flexibility as it targets 50mtpa capacity by FY31. Access to JFE’s advanced steelmaking expertise, combined with a cleaner corporate structure post–slump sale, supports stronger governance and product capability. BPSL’s 4.5mtpa Odisha operations, now part of the JV, continue to benefit from post-acquisition efficiency gains, with the INR530b enterprise valuation reflecting fair value realization. With steel spreads expected to improve, EBITDA/t on an upward trajectory, and net-debt-to-EBITDA likely easing toward 1.7x by FY27, the transaction bolsters JSW Steel’s balance sheet and strategic headroom ahead of major capacity expansions.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Market analysts anticipate consolidation with an upward trend, backed by RBI’s monetary policy, consistent domestic fund flows. (AI image)

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened flat in trade on Monday. While Nifty50 was above 25,150, BSE Sensex was near 86,650. At 9:19 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,157.10, down 29 points or 0.11%. BSE Sensex was at 85,661.37, down 51 points or 0.060%.Market analysts anticipate consolidation with an upward trend, backed by RBI’s monetary policy, consistent domestic fund flows and growing likelihood of a US Federal Reserve rate reduction.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “Emerging positive and negative news have the potential to keep the market volatile in the near-term. Robust economic growth and indications of earnings growth revival are supportive of markets. The massive fiscal and monetary stimulus to the economy this year has contributed to sharp revival in GDP growth as evidenced by the 8.2% Q2 GDP growth print, and RBI’s upward revision of FY 26 GDP growth to 7.3% augurs well for the market. Low GDP deflator, consequent to low inflation, has impacted nominal GDP growth and corporate earnings growth. But from the leading indicators it is clear that about 15% earnings growth is achievable in FY 27. This is positive for the market.”“However, there are strong negatives, too, which can impact the market. Sustained depreciation of the rupee has been forcing FIIs to sell in the market continuously. Another major factor is the spike in Japanese bond yields which can trigger another bout of reversal of yen carry trade. In brief, there is potential for high volatility.”US markets recorded moderate gains on Friday, influenced by economic indicators that strengthened predictions of a Federal Reserve rate reduction next week. Post the 43-day governmental closure, investors evaluated delayed reports whilst examining secondary economic indicators. Commerce Department data revealed September’s consumer spending, comprising over two-thirds of US economic activity, increased 0.3%, matching Reuters poll predictions, while August’s growth was adjusted downward to 0.5%.Asian equities began cautiously as investors assess worsening China-Japan diplomatic relations, numerous central bank announcements and overall risk asset prospects for the upcoming year.Crude oil prices remained at two-week peak levels on Monday, with investors anticipating a Federal Reserve interest rate reduction this week.On Friday, foreign portfolio investors recorded net sales of Rs 438.9 crore. Domestic institutional investors showed net purchases of Rs 4,189 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Rovman Powell (Pic credit: ILT20)

Rovman Powell produced one of the finest knocks of the ILT20 Season 4 as his unbeaten 96 propelled the Dubai Capitals to a massive 83-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The emphatic result also handed the Capitals their first win of the season, with a significant boost to their net run rate.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Put in to bat, Dubai overcame a jittery start thanks to a match-defining 119-run fourth-wicket stand between Powell and Jordan Cox. The pair rescued their side after early wickets left the Capitals struggling at 43/3 inside the powerplay. Powell blasted 96 off just 52 deliveries, hammering eight fours and four sixes, while Cox played the perfect supporting role with a composed 52 off 36 balls. Together, they transformed a slow surface into a platform for a strong total of 187.

Dubai’s innings came alive in the final over when Powell dismantled Andre Russell, smashing two sixes and two fours in four balls. Russell denied Powell a memorable hundred with two tight deliveries to finish the innings, but the damage was already done.In response, the Knight Riders folded under relentless pressure, crashing to 103 all out in just 15.3 overs. David Willey set the tone with wickets in the first over, removing Alex Hales and Alishan Sharafu. Mustafizur Rahman followed by dismissing Unmukt Chand for a golden duck, leaving Abu Dhabi reeling at 10/3.

Phil Salt’s fighting 27 briefly steadied the chase, while Andre Russell attempted a quick counterattack with two huge sixes. However, Afghanistan’s Waqar Salamkheil (4/29) and veteran all-rounder Mohammed Nabi (2/12) throttled the innings with tight spells, sparking a collapse. None of the lower-order batters could resist, as wickets tumbled in a desperate attempt to accelerate.Reflecting on his Player of the Match performance, Powell said: “They have two high quality spinners in Narine and Chawla. It was important when I went to bat that I fought them off. Cox was very, very helpful. We didn’t want Narine or Chawla to keep bowling at one player and that was the best way to bat against two world-class spinners like them.” Knight Riders captain Jason Holder admitted his side was outplayed: “We were probably just a few runs short in all three departments. We were a little bit untidy in our bowling phases. I thought Rovman Powell and Jordan Cox put together a really good partnership, which took the game away from us.”Brief Scores: