Bharatpol to boost fugitive pursuits, ease extraditions

NEW DELHI: In a significant leap forward for Indian law enforcement, a new portal, launched on Tuesday by Union home minister Amit Shah, is set to transform the way authorities deal with fugitives who have fled abroad. Besides helping in streamlining the process of extradition, Bharatpol portal, coupled with India’s newly introduced criminal laws, will also assist in deporting criminals.
With provision of trials in absentia, courts can now prosecute fugitives even if they are not physically present in the country. Once convicted, the portal will facilitate exchange of information and coordination between Indian authorities and their international counterparts.
“It is time that we use modern technology and techniques to nab and bring to justice fugitives who absconded from India after committing a crime,” Shah said at the portal’s launch. He said one of the key benefits will be access to 19 types of Interpol databases, enabling officers to analyze data, develop crime prevention strategies and apprehend criminals more effectively.
He said the portal will enable every agency and police force in country to seamlessly connect with Interpol, expedite probes and bring fugitives to justice.
He further added that the portal is a timely step in upgrading India’s systems and mechanisms to tackle global challenges.
“Bharatpol has five key modules – connect, Interpol notices, references, broadcast and resources. These modules provide a technological platform to support all law enforcement agencies, ensuring quick, secure and structured transmission of requests for Interpol notices,” Shah said.
He added that the portal’s real-time interface will enable seamless communication among agencies to enhance crime control measures. Bharatpol will significantly expedite responses for real-time data sharing, he told the gathering, in which Union home secretary Govind Mohan and CBI director Praveen Sood were also present.
The Bharatpol network is expected to greatly assist the state police forces by facilitating collaboration with law enforcement agencies in 195 countries.