Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, crime, and terrorism. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Extradition of Fugitives-Challenges and Strategies conference in New Delhi today. Mr Shah said, a robust mechanism is being developed to ensure bringing all offenders under the ambit of law. He said, ruthless approach should be adopted with every fugitive and bring them before the country’s judicial system.
The Minister said, a strong India is moving forward to ensure the security of borders as well as strengthening of the rule of law under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Shah said, the government had introduced the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act in 2018, which empowers authorities to confiscate the assets of fugitives located in the country. He said, more than two billion US dollars have been recovered within just four years of the enactment of this act.
Mr Shah said, the money laundering laws have also been strengthened, leading to the attachment of assets worth around 12 billion dollars between 2014 and 2023. The Minister suggested that every state should set up a unit in collaboration with the CBI, which will establish a mechanism to bring back fugitives who have fled from their state. Mr Shah said that the CBI has set up a special Global Operation Centre to apprehend fugitives internationally, coordinating in real-time with police across the world.
Speaking on the occasion, CBI Director Praveen Sood said that the agency has brought back 35 fugitives to the country this year so far. He said, 338 extradition requests from India are pending with various countries. Mr Sood higlighted that 957 Interpol notices have been published till date based on the request of India. The two-day conference is being organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation. During the conference, senior police officers from various Central and State Police agencies are participating to discuss the issues of International Police Cooperation and devise strategies to locate and bring back fugitives to face criminal justice in India.
