Amit Shah on Tuesday said India has brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019. He highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen national security and international cooperation. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), fugitives include individuals accused of terrorism, organised crime, financial fraud and narcotics offences. They also include individuals accused of murder, rape and crimes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Amit Shah on India’s Fugitive Crackdown
Shah shared the update on X, saying the government’s vision of building a robust and secure India has helped authorities trace and return fugitives. They had fled overseas. He contrasted the achievement with the UPA period. He claimed that only around four fugitives returned annually during those same years.
Additionally, the Home Minister said the government has strengthened legal systems, created new institutions and expanded partnerships with foreign governments. This ensures that accused persons do not easily escape Indian law by leaving the country. Shah said India has adopted intelligence-led and technology-driven operations to locate fugitives hiding abroad. He added that these efforts have significantly improved coordination between Indian agencies and international law enforcement authorities.
According to Amit Shah, these measures have made it more difficult for criminals to evade investigation by crossing international borders.
New Criminal Laws to Speed Up Justice
Amit Shah also highlighted the provision for trial in absentia under the country’s three new criminal laws. He said the provision allows legal proceedings to continue even when an accused person remains outside India. This strengthens India’s criminal justice system.
He added that the reforms now aim to ensure that fugitives cannot delay or avoid legal action simply by staying abroad.
Amit Shah Cites PMLA and BHARATPOL
Amit Shah said strict enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has led to the attachment of assets worth ₹17,874 crore linked to fugitive offenders. He also said authorities have restored assets worth ₹18,762 crore in relevant cases involving fugitive economic offenders.
Referring to BHARATPOL, Amit Shah said the coordination framework has strengthened cooperation with law enforcement agencies across the world. It also helps authorities trace and pursue wanted individuals more effectively.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also released data showing a steady rise in the number of Red Corner Notices issued in recent years. According to the ministry, 40 notices were issued in 2022, followed by 100 in 2023, 107 in 2024 and 112 in 2025. It added that 182 Red Corner Notices have already been issued in 2026 so far.
Global Cooperation Against Fugitives
Amit Shah said stronger international cooperation has played an important role in bringing fugitives back to India. The ministry further stated that 501 Red Corner Notices have been issued against fugitive criminals over the past three years, reflecting the government’s focus on improving global coordination.
The government said these measures form part of its broader strategy to strengthen national security, enhance cross-border law enforcement cooperation and ensure that individuals accused of serious crimes face legal proceedings in India.
Read more on ANI.
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