New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday inaugurated the Bharatpol portal developed by CBI here and said that with its implementation, criminals committing crimes in India and fleeing to other countries can now be brought within the ambit of justice.
Shah said that the 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.
Shah also emphasised that, 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 urged the 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.
Shah emphasised on the need to upgrading the systems and mechanisms as the country move forward and tackle global challenges, and Bharatpol is a timely step in that direction.
He stated, “The five key modules of Bharatpol – connect, Interpol notices, references, broadcast, and resources – provide a technological platform to support all our law enforcement agencies”.
He explained that through connect, all the law enforcement agencies will essentially function as an extension of Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi).
He further 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.
The Minister highlighted that the Interpol references from 195 countries will make it much simpler to seek and provide international assistance for investigations abroad. Adding 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.
Highlighting the portal’s key feature, Shah said, “It 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”.
The Home Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the new system in addressing crimes such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and cross-border terrorism. He noted that the Bharatpol network will greatly assist state police forces by facilitating collaboration with law enforcement agencies in 195 countries through real-time information sharing on such crimes.
He laid stress on the importance of raising awareness among law enforcement agencies about Interpol notices and institutionalising this system.
He also emphasised the system’s capability to address emerging challenges in cyber crime with greater speed and efficiency.
As the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India (NCB-New Delhi), the CBI plays a pivotal role in facilitating international cooperation on criminal cases in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies across the country.
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.
UNI
