What is Blue Notice: Issued Against Luthra Brothers in Goa Fire Case
The issuance of an Interpol Blue Notice against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra has intensified efforts to trace their movements after the fatal Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives. The brothers, owners of the nightclub involved in the incident, left India for Thailand soon after the blaze and are now the focus of an international information-gathering request.
Purpose of the Blue Notice
A Blue Notice enables member countries to collect and share information on a person’s identity, location, or activities in connection with a crime. It is not an arrest warrant. Instead, it supports police agencies in tracking suspects across borders by creating a verified trail of their movements.
How the Notice Aids Indian Investigators
Indian authorities are coordinating with their counterparts in Thailand to determine the brothers’ exact whereabouts. The Blue Notice facilitates timely updates on border crossings, travel records, and any documented interactions with law enforcement, improving the likelihood of locating the individuals.
Background of the Case
The fire at a Goa nightclub resulted in 25 fatalities and sparked scrutiny of safety standards in local establishments. Saurabh Luthra, known for his rapid rise in the hospitality sector, owned the venue. Both brothers have sought anticipatory bail in a Delhi court but remain outside India, prompting the use of international mechanisms to trace them.
Exam Oriented Facts
- Interpol issues colour-coded notices including Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, Green, Orange, Purple, Silver, and UN Special Notices.
- A Blue Notice is used to gather additional information about a suspect’s identity, location, or activities.
- It does not authorise arrest; that function is served by a Red Notice.
- Interpol notices enable coordinated international police cooperation among 196 member countries.
Role of Interpol Notices in Cross-Border Crime Tracking
Interpol’s colour-coded alerts act as a unified system for global information exchange. In cases like the Goa fire, the Blue Notice helps establish situational awareness across jurisdictions, supporting national agencies as they pursue suspects who move quickly between countries.