Shah launches Bharatpol to connect with Interpol, speed up international probes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday inaugurated the CBI-developed online portal -- Bharatpol -- which will streamline the processing of requests for international assistance and connect investigative agencies and the police of all states to the Interpol network of 195 countries.

"This is a step to take international investigation to a new level where the country's every probe agency, every state police force can easily connect with the Interpol and can speed up their probe," Shah said.

Till now, the CBI facilitated international cooperation in criminal matters in collaboration with various agencies across the country, including law enforcement agencies. However, the growing footprint of transnational crimes necessitated rapid and real-time international assistance in criminal investigations. Bharatpol, accessible through its official website, will bring all stakeholders on a common platform. The key benefit will be the access to 19 types of Interpol databases, enabling officers to analyze data, develop crime prevention strategies, and apprehend criminals more effectively.

"This portal has been developed after a detailed exercise. I believe this portal will become a transformative tool for probe agencies in dealing with crimes and security challenges," the Home Minister said, highlighting the portal's key feature — a real-time interface — that will enable seamless and effective communication among agencies to enhance crime control measures.

Real-time data sharing

Bharatpol will 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.

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

"Bharatpol will 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," Shah said.

He further said for years, criminals committing crimes in India and fleeing to other countries had 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," Shah said. 

The Home Minister also touched upon the provision of 'Trial in Absentia' introduced in the three new criminal laws which enabled the prosecution of fugitive criminals even in their absence. "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," Shah said. Earlier, Indian law did not allow trial, conviction or sentencing of any person in absentia even for heinous offences.