Goa, Dec. 10 -- Delhi's Rohini court has refused any immediate interim relief to Birch by Romeo Lane owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra in the Goa nightclub fire case, even as the duo accused the state of conducting a "witch-hunt" against them. The court has instead sought a response from the Goa government on their transit anticipatory bail plea and listed the matter for Thursday, December 11.

Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, the brothers argued that they only hold the licence for the club, that local managers have already been arrested, and that their culpability cannot be assumed. They said they want protection to return to India and approach Goa courts without facing arrest on landing in Delhi.

Inv...