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New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday delivered a powerful speech on “Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies” at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conference in New Delhi, underscoring India’s firm commitment to bringing fugitive criminals to justice.
Shah stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is strengthening its national security and rule of law.
“The issue of fugitive criminals is not only related to the country’s sovereignty, economic stability and law and order, but is also related to the country’s security,” he said.
He stressed the need to eliminate the perception among fugitives that they are beyond the reach of Indian law, asserting, “We cannot secure the country as long as those abroad who threaten the country’s economy, sovereignty and security are afraid of the Indian justice system.”
The Home Minister outlined a multi-pronged approach to extradition with emphasis on both purpose and process. The objectives include ensuring justice beyond borders, strengthening national security through advanced identification systems, enhancing India’s global judicial credibility, protecting the economic system, and promoting the rule of law internationally.
To achieve this, HM Shah advocated seamless communication, strategic coordination and organized execution. He appreciated the setting up of a special Global Operation Center by the CBI, which coordinates in real time with global police forces to nab fugitives.
Notably, from January to September 2025, the CBI issued over 189 Red Corner Notices, the highest in its history, reflecting intensive efforts under initiatives such as ‘Operation Trishul’ and the newly formed Bharatpol.
HM Shah highlighted important legislative reforms under the Modi government, including the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act of 2018, which has enabled recovery of assets worth nearly $2 billion in four years.
Additionally, the Anti-Money Laundering Act has been strengthened, with assets worth $12 billion being seized between 2014 and 2023. The introduction of three new criminal laws to replace the colonial-era law marks a historic reform.
Sections 355 and 356 of the Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS) now allow trials in their absence, enabling courts to proceed against fugitives by appointing legal representation, thereby changing their status under international law.
To boost extradition efforts, HM Shah called for every state to set up dedicated units to bring back fugitives, emphasizing a “whole of government” approach.
He urged the creation of specialist special cells within state police forces to prepare strong extradition cases and proposed special prisons for fugitives at par with international standards.
Additionally, he recommended a dedicated CBI division to review extradition requests and a special task force under the Multi-Agency Center (MAC) to enhance coordination on narcotics, terrorism and financial crimes.
The two-day event, attended by dignitaries including the Union Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Intelligence Bureau Director and CBI Director, focused on enhancing international cooperation to deal with fugitives involved in economic, cyber, terrorist and organized crimes.
The conference organized seven sessions on important topics such as cyber technology, financial crime, tracing illicit funds, simplifying extradition processes and leveraging international police cooperation.
HM Shah emphasized that these discussions will strengthen national security and economic prosperity by overcoming policy complexities. He also proposed unifying the database of fugitives across state and central agencies, with the CBI overseeing a unified mechanism.
A special campaign to convert Blue Corner Notices into Red Corner Notices was suggested to accelerate global action against fugitives. During the event, HM Shah presented medals for distinguished and meritorious service to CBI officers, recognizing their contribution to law enforcement.
Awardees include Pramod Kumar, ASP, CBI, ACB, Mumbai, who received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and others like Sumedha Dwivedi and Mohammad Suwaiz Haq for meritorious service.
Satyamurthy T was awarded the Exceptional Intelligence Efficiency Medal-2023 for his exemplary intelligence work. HM Shah’s address underlined a transformational change in India’s approach towards fugitive extradition, driven by strong legal framework, international cooperation and technological advancements.
By promoting coordination between state police, central agencies and global partners, India aims to ensure that no fugitive escapes justice, thereby strengthening its sovereignty and economic stability. The conference sets out a roadmap for a safe, law-abiding India, in line with Modi’s vision of a justice system that delivers verdicts within three years by 2027.
–IANS
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