BuzzBytes
New Delhi, Oct 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for the establishment of special prisons for fugitives in every state that meet international standards, and urged authorities to cancel the passports of those facing Interpol red notices. These proposals aim to counter the common defense presented by economic fugitives and other absconders, such as Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi, who cite “poor conditions” in Indian jails to block extradition in foreign courts.
Speaking at a CBI conference on extradition challenges, Shah revealed that India currently has 338 extradition requests pending with various countries, relating to offences such as financial crimes, terrorism, and narcotics smuggling. He emphasized that fear of the Indian legal system must be instilled in those who harm the nation’s economy, sovereignty, and security from abroad, warning that India cannot be truly secure until this is achieved.
Shah suggested that fugitives’ passports be revoked immediately upon issuance of an Interpol Red Notice, leveraging current technology to block international travel and reduce loopholes exploited by offenders. He also recommended the development of a scientific database on fugitives, detailing offences,
current location, national network, and repatriation status, and urged all states to share this data.
To strengthen extradition proceedings, Shah encouraged every state capital to establish a dedicated cell specializing in extradition, supported by expert units in state police, the Intelligence Bureau, and the CBI. He also called for the use of the “trial in absentia” provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a new law that allows prosecution of fugitives in their absence—a provision aimed at expediting legal action and rebutting human rights claims abroad.
Highlighting the government’s crackdown on economic fugitives, Shah pointed to the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, under which nearly $2 billion in assets have been seized since 2018, alongside tougher money laundering laws resulting in $12 billion seized between 2014 and 2023. Shah stressed adopting a “zero-tolerance” approach while urging comprehensive reforms and swift, coordinated action between law enforcement, immigration, and international partners.
