Amit Shah launches BHARATPOL portal, India’s new era in international investigations

New Delhi, Jan 07: Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the BHARATPOL portal, a cutting-edge initiative by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The portal aims to revolutionise India’s collaboration with INTERPOL and bolster the country’s law enforcement capabilities, especially outside India, with the support of 195 countries of the world.

Speaking at the event, Shah described the launch as a pivotal moment for Indian law enforcement. “India is entering a new era in international investigation with BHARATPOL,” he said. “This portal will enable seamless integration between Indian agencies and INTERPOL, expediting investigations and bringing fugitives to justice.”

The platform comprises five key modules: Connect, INTERPOL Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources. “With Connect, our law enforcement agencies will function as an extension of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in New Delhi,” Shah explained. The system will streamline the transmission of requests for INTERPOL notices, enabling swift identification and location of criminals globally.

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. This coordination extends across the central, state, and Union Territory levels and is managed through INTERPOL Liaison Officers (ILOs).

These ILOs work in conjunction with Unit Officers (UOs), who typically hold positions such as Superintendents of Police, Police Commissioners, or Branch Chiefs within their respective organizations. Currently, communication between the CBI, ILOs, and UOs is primarily conducted through traditional methods, including letters, emails, and faxes.

Highlighting the portal’s capabilities, Shah noted that INTERPOL References from 195 countries will simplify the process of seeking and providing international assistance for investigations. The Broadcast module will instantly share requests for cooperation, while the Resources module will enhance document exchange and capacity-building efforts, he added.

The Home Minister highlighted the significance of the portal’s real-time interface, which facilitates instant communication among agencies adding that this feature will accelerate responses to both domestic and international data-sharing requests, including issuing Red Corner Notices. He noted that, 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.

Trial in Absentia

Shah also pointed to recent legislative changes under the Modi government, including the provision for Trial in Absentia, which allows the prosecution of fugitives even in their absence. This measure, combined with BHARATPOL, will make extraditing criminals and securing justice more efficient, Amit Shah said.

The portal’s impact extends beyond fugitive tracking, with the potential to address crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and cross-border terrorism.

State police forces will equally benefit from real-time information sharing with 195 countries, Shah said. He also emphasized the system’s ability to tackle emerging challenges in cybercrime with greater speed and efficiency.

Acknowledging the CBI’s role as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India, Shah called on the agency to lead the implementation of BHARATPOL. He also asked the CBI to ensure widespread training at the grassroots level to maximise this system’s potential.

Shah also took the opportunity to present police medals to 35 CBI officers for their distinguished service and excellence in investigation. Several dignitaries, including the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the CBI, attended the event.

Looking ahead, Shah linked the initiative to India’s broader aspirations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for “Amrit Kaal.” “As we march towards becoming the third-largest economy by 2027 and a global leader by 2047, modern systems like BHARATPOL are essential to tackling global challenges and ensuring our progress,” he said.