NEW DELHI: Home minister Amit Shah will on Tuesday launch the Bharatpol portal to streamline the processing of requests by the country’s law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for international assistance, through Interpol, in criminal matters. This shall include requests for issuance of ‘Red’ and other colour-coded notices against fugitives wanted for crimes committed in India.
Highlighting that Modi govt had launched many important initiatives to empower LEAs, home ministry in a release said the Bharatpol module will significantly facilitate central law enforcement agencies and state police by enabling sharing of information in real time, for faster access to international police assistance.
“Tomorrow is going to be a landmark day, as the Bharatpol portal, developed by CBI, will be launched. It will give a new edge to our investigation agencies by enhancing their global reach to fulfil Modi govt’s vision to build a secure Bharat for all,” Shah said on X.
Shah will launch the portal alongside the CBI investiture ceremony here, during which he will present police medals to 35 CBI officers.
CBI, as the national central bureau for Interpol in India, facilitates international cooperation in criminal matters in collaboration with agencies across the country, including LEAs. At the central, state, and UT levels, this coordination is executed through Interpol liaison officers (ILOs), who are further linked to unit officers (UO) at the level of superintendents of police, commissioners of police and branch heads, within their respective organisations. At present, communications among CBI, ILOs, and UOs relies on letters, emails and faxes, which often translate into slower response.
“The growing footprint of transnational crimes, including cybercrime, financial crimes, online radicalisation, organised crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking etc, necessitates rapid and real-time international assistance in criminal investigations. To address this challenge, CBI has developed Bharatpol portal, accessible through its official website, which will bring all stakeholders on a common platform,” said an MHA spokesperson.
The portal, apart from ensuring seamless and real-time international cooperation in criminal investigations via Interpol, promises to become a transformative tool for field-level police officers, enhancing their efficiency in dealing with crimes and security challenges. “By facilitating easier and faster access to international assistance, it will strengthen India’s efforts in combating transnational crimes,” home ministry noted.
Several dignitaries and senior officers from the external affairs and home ministries, department of personnel and training (DoPT), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and central police organisations will be attending the Bharatpol launch event.
