Bharatpol to aid in nabbing fugitive criminals ‘wherever they hide’: Home Minister

Bharatpol to aid in nabbing fugitive criminals ‘wherever they hide’: Home Minister

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Security

Context :- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

What is Bharatpol?

• Bharatpol, launched on January 7, 2025, is an advanced online platform developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to enhance India’s capabilities in combating transnational crimes.
• It facilitates real-time information sharing among Indian law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts, streamlining the process of obtaining international police assistance through Interpol.

Need for Bharatpol

• The need to develop rapid and real-time international assistance in criminal investigations was felt due to the growing footprint of transnational crimes including cyber-crime, financial crimes, online radicalization, organised crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking etc.

Key Features of Bharatpol:

• Real-Time Interface: Bharatpol provides a real-time interface that enables seamless communication among agencies, enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement efforts. The portal will significantly 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.
• Five Key Modules: The platform comprises five key modules—Connect, Interpol Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources—offering a technological platform to support all law enforcement agencies.
• Streamlined Requests: It allows police forces at the state, Union Territory, and central levels to submit requests for international police assistance directly through a platform, reducing reliance on traditional communication methods like letters, faxes, and emails.
• Trial in Absentia: In conjunction with the three new criminal laws, Bharatpol supports the provision of ‘Trial in Absentia,’ allowing the prosecution of fugitive criminals even in their absence. This measure simplifies the process of extraditing convicted criminals from foreign countries to India.
• Assist to State Police Forces:-By facilitating collaboration with law enforcement agencies in 195 countries through real-time information sharing on such crimes.
• Access to Interpol Databases: Bharatpol provides access to 19 types of Interpol databases, enabling officers to analyze data, develop crime prevention strategies, and apprehend criminals more effectively.

About Interpol:-

Interpol, or the International Criminal Police Organization, is  an international police agency that facilitates cooperation between the criminal police forces of its member countries

Who Makes Up INTERPOL?

General Secretariat

The General Secretariat coordinates INTERPOL’s day-to-day activities aimed at combating a wide range of crimes.

• Leadership: Run by the Secretary General.
• Staff Composition: Includes both police personnel and civilians.
• Locations:
  • Headquarters in Lyon, France.
  • Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore.
  • Satellite offices in various regions worldwide.

National Central Bureaus (NCBs)

Each member country of INTERPOL has a National Central Bureau (NCB) that serves as the central point of contact for the General Secretariat and other NCBs.

• Responsibilities:
  • Facilitates communication and coordination among member countries.
  • Acts as a liaison with the General Secretariat.
• Leadership: Run by national police officials.
• India’s NCB: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) serves as the National Central Bureau for India and handles all INTERPOL-related matters.

General Assembly

The General Assembly serves as INTERPOL’s governing body.

• Function: Brings representatives from all member countries together.
• Meetings: Convened once a year to make key decisions.