Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the 'Bharatpol' portal on Tuesday, emphasising the need for Indian investigative agencies to adopt cutting-edge technology and methods to apprehend fugitives.
Speaking at the launch event held at Bharat Mandapam, Shah highlighted the portal's potential to revolutionise international cooperation and expedite criminal investigations.
Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), 'Bharatpol' provides a real-time interface for central and state agencies to connect seamlessly with Interpol’s 195 member nations. Shah underscored the importance of this initiative, describing it as a significant step towards tackling global challenges and modernising India's internal systems.
The portal is designed to facilitate the sharing and retrieval of case information between Indian authorities and their international counterparts, accelerating the investigative process.
"It is essential to harness modern tools and techniques to bring fugitives who have fled India to justice," Shah stated. "Bharatpol represents a proactive approach to overcoming global challenges."
Shah urged the CBI to take the lead in training state agencies to effectively use 'Bharatpol' and to implement the three new criminal laws introduced by the Modi government last year. These laws aim to improve the legal framework for prosecuting fugitives and absconders.
"Institutionalising these systems, alongside an understanding of Interpol notices and their procedures, is crucial for effective law enforcement," Shah added.
The CBI and the National Central Bureau of India are the primary agencies handling Interpol-related matters. Shah emphasised that their role in building capacity and leveraging Bharatpol would be instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of India's criminal justice system.