Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday called for a decisive and “ruthless approach” in tracking and prosecuting fugitives, including economic offenders, cyber criminals, and terrorists, who attempt to evade India’s justice system from abroad. Speaking at a national conference on “Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies" organized by the CBI, Shah emphasized the need for a coordinated mechanism to bring every offender to justice in a time-bound manner.

Shah stressed adopting a zero-tolerance policy not only against crime and corruption within India but also towards those operating from foreign soil, undermining the country’s economy, sovereignty, and security. He highlighted the goal of eliminating the sense of “assurance” among fugitives that Indian law cannot reach them and dismantling their overseas support networks.

To counter common legal defenses in extradition cases, the Home Minister instructed state governments to establish at least one prison cell per state that meets international human rights standards. This move aims to prevent fugitives like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi from claiming poor jail conditions abroad to block extradition.

Shah also noted the impact of legislative measures such as the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, which has enabled recovery of nearly USD 2 billion in four years, and the strengthened Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), under which assets worth about USD 12 billion were attached between 2014 and 2023.

Urging enhanced international cooperation, Shah called on the CBI and state police to fully utilize the Trial in Absentia provisions and suggested red-flagging or canceling passports immediately upon issuance of Interpol Red Corner Notices. He underscored the vision of a unified, technologically advanced justice system ensuring no criminal remains beyond India’s reach.