New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that BHARATPOL and the three new criminal laws will serve as a strong mechanism to catch fugitives who flee abroad.
"Through the 'Trial in Absentia' provision in the three criminal laws, cases can be conducted in the absence of fugitives and award them sentences. BHARATPOL will play a significant role in crime control by connecting investigative agencies and the police of all states to the INTERPOL network of 195 countries," said Shah while inaugurating the BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) here.
He said that the 'BHARATPOL' network will enable cooperation with 195 countries in combating crimes related with drugs, weapons, human trafficking, and other cross-border offenses.
"The portal will have access to 19 types of databases from INTERPOL, which will be helpful in analysing crimes, preventing them, and apprehending criminals," he said. He said that through BHARATPOL, every agency and police force in India will be able to seamlessly connect with INTERPOL, thereby expediting investigations.
Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's journey from being a regional leader to a global leader is being shaped through scientific roadmaps and time-bound execution of programs.
"We need to upgrade our systems and mechanisms as we move forward and tackle global challenges, and BHARATPOL is a timely step in that direction," he said.
Shah stated that the five key modules of BHARATPOL – Connect, INTERPOL Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources – provide a technological platform to support all our law enforcement agencies.
Shah explained that through Connect, all our law enforcement agencies will essentially function as an extension of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi). He added that the system will ensure quick, secure, and structured transmission of requests for INTERPOL notices, enabling a scientific mechanism to swiftly locate criminals from India and across the globe, within India.
Shah highlighted that the INTERPOL References from 195 countries will make it much simpler to seek and provide international assistance for investigations abroad. He mentioned that requests for assistance from 195 countries will now be immediately available through the Broadcast module, while the Resources module will facilitate the exchange and management of documents and capacity-building initiatives.
He highlighted the portal's key feature — a real-time interface — that will enable seamless and effective communication among agencies to enhance crime control measures.
"The portal will significantly expedite responses to domestic and international requests for real-time data sharing, including the issuance of Red Corner Notices and other alerts through a global network. For years, criminals committing crimes in India and fleeing to other countries have evaded the reach of Indian laws. However, with the implementation of modern systems like BHARATPOL, such criminals can now be brought within the ambit of justice," Shah said.
He further said that the Modi Government has introduced the provision of Trial in Absentia in the three new criminal laws, enabling the prosecution of fugitive criminals even in their absence through court orders while ensuring a fair judicial process.
He explained that this provision will simplify the process of extraditing convicted criminals from foreign countries to India. "Combined with the capabilities of the BHARATPOL portal, this new measure will empower Indian law enforcement agencies to bring fugitives to justice, no matter where they hide," he said.
Shah urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take the lead in implementing BHARATPOL and ensuring its widespread training at the grassroots level. This, he said, will strengthen the judicial system, enhance transparency, and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
He highlighted the transformative potential of the new system in addressing crimes such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and cross-border terrorism.
Shah emphasised on the importance of raising awareness among law enforcement agencies about INTERPOL notices and institutionalising this system. He pointed out that one of the key benefits will be access to 19 types of INTERPOL databases, enabling young officers to analyse data, develop crime prevention strategies, and apprehend criminals more effectively. He also emphasised the system's capability to address emerging challenges in cybercrime with greater speed and efficiency.
During the programme, the home minister also presented police medals to 35 award-winning CBI officers, who were honoured with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation.
