Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the BHARATPOL portal, developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), during a ceremony at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event also saw Shri Shah presenting police medals to 35 CBI officers, who were honored with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation. Several dignitaries, including the Union Home Secretary, the Director of CBI, and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), were in attendance.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is entering a new era in international investigation with the launch of BHARATPOL. He highlighted that this portal would enable seamless connectivity between Indian law enforcement agencies and INTERPOL, expediting investigations globally. Reflecting on India’s aspirations for 2047, the centenary of its independence, he underscored the current “Amrit Kaal” period as a golden opportunity to propel India towards becoming a fully developed nation and the world’s third-largest economy by 2027.
Shri Shah described India’s transformation into a global leader under Prime Minister Modi, driven by scientific roadmaps and time-bound programs. He stressed the need for modernization in addressing global challenges, positioning BHARATPOL as a crucial step. The portal integrates five modules—Connect, INTERPOL Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources—that enhance cooperation, expedite international criminal investigations, and streamline communication among law enforcement agencies.
The Union Home Minister detailed the advanced capabilities of BHARATPOL, including swift issuance of INTERPOL notices, real-time sharing of data, and easy access to international crime databases from 195 countries. He explained how features such as the Broadcast and Resources modules simplify the exchange of investigative assistance and enable capacity-building initiatives. Shri Shah highlighted the portal’s potential to bring criminals who evade justice by fleeing abroad under the reach of Indian laws.
Additionally, Shri Shah mentioned the introduction of Trial in Absentia provisions in the recently updated criminal laws. This reform allows the prosecution of fugitive criminals in their absence and facilitates their extradition. He encouraged the CBI to lead the implementation of BHARATPOL and train officers across the nation to ensure its effectiveness, ultimately enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the judicial system.
The Union Home Minister outlined BHARATPOL’s transformative role in combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism through real-time collaboration with international agencies. He stressed the need to educate law enforcement officers about INTERPOL notices and leverage its databases for proactive crime prevention. With advanced features for addressing challenges like cybercrime, Shri Shah hailed the system as a revolutionary development in India’s investigative landscape.
As the National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL in India, the CBI plays a vital role in coordinating criminal investigations with state, central, and Union Territory law enforcement agencies. This coordination, previously reliant on traditional methods like letters and emails, will now benefit from BHARATPOL’s advanced capabilities, ensuring quicker and more efficient communication through a digital framework.