New Delhi: The Indian government is adopting a "ruthless approach" to ensure that fugitives who have fled the country to escape justice are brought back to face the law. Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the belief among fugitive criminals that Indian law cannot reach them is ending. He emphasized that those harming the nation's economy, sovereignty, and security from abroad must fear the Indian justice system.
Addressing a CBI conference in New Delhi on "Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies," Shah outlined several key initiatives and legal reforms aimed at strengthening India's ability to bring fugitives to justice. These include integrating passport issuance with law enforcement, creating a comprehensive database of fugitives, and establishing special focus groups to handle extraditions and economic offenders.
Shah also highlighted the new 'Trial in Absentia' provision under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows trials to proceed even if the accused is a fugitive. He explained that if a person is declared a fugitive, the court can appoint a lawyer for their defense and conduct trial proceedings in their absence. A conviction in absentia would significantly change the fugitive's status under international laws, facilitating their extradition to face the law in India.
To enhance international cooperation, Shah announced the establishment of a special CBI Global Operation Centre for real-time international police coordination. He revealed that from January to September 2025, over 189 Red Corner Notices were issued, the highest in the CBI's history. He also urged states to set up dedicated units and Expert Special Cells for extraditing fugitives and to construct special prisons that meet international standards.
The Home Minister emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach involving strategic diplomacy and strong domestic coordination. He suggested creating a national database of fugitives detailing their crimes, locations, networks, and extradition status. He also recommended implementing technology-based systems to revoke or blacklist passports as soon as a Red Corner Notice is issued.
The government has already taken steps to confiscate properties of economic offenders through the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, recovering approximately USD 2 billion in four years. Furthermore, between 2014 and 2023, assets worth around USD 12 billion were attached under various laws.
Shah asserted that the government has undertaken foolproof measures to ensure that no offender escapes the reach of the law. He added that India is moving forward to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the security of its borders. The Home Minister called for a ruthless and time-bound approach to bring back fugitives hiding abroad and ensure that India's criminal justice system reaches offenders wherever they are in the world. He stated that those who commit crimes in India and flee abroad threaten the country's economy, sovereignty, and security.
