274 fugitives brought to India within 7 yrs:Assets worth ₹17,874 cr attached; Extraditions from 36 countries

The central government stated on Tuesday that 274 fugitives have been brought back to India from 36 countries within the last 7 years. This figure is 10 times higher compared to the period between 2004 and 2013, when an average of only four fugitives could be brought back each year. The government claimed that previous governments lacked the political will, whereas the Modi government has made it a national priority. Assets worth ₹17,874 crore seized According to the government statement, during this period, assets worth Rs 17,874 crore belonging to fugitives have been seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The government has developed an integrated, intelligence- and technology-based model, which has facilitated strict action against fugitives and their repatriation. How many fugitives were brought back in which cases? Among the fugitives brought back between 2019 and 2026 (until July) 9 were wanted for financial crimes, 17 for terror cases, 42 for organized crimes, 62 for murder-robbery and violent crimes, 53 for sexual offenses (including crimes against children), 16 for drug trafficking, 12 for smuggling-counterfeit currency, 18 for human trafficking, and 45 for other crimes. Significant increase in Red Corner notices The number of Red Notices issued by Interpol has also increased rapidly. 40 Red Corner Notices were issued in 2022, 100 in 2023, 107 in 2024, 112 in 2025, and 182 so far in 2026. A total of 401 Red Notices have been issued against fugitives in the last three years. New strategy under the guidance of Home Minister The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, extradition requests are now prepared in a more professional manner. This takes into account the legal requirements of the concerned countries. For this, better coordination has been established between the Intelligence Bureau (IB), CBI, RAW, NIA, ED, Ministry of External Affairs, NCB, DGGI, and state police. In January 2026, a Standing Focus Group was constituted under the IB’s Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), which prioritizes cases of fugitives. Legal Changes and Use of Technology The government implemented the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act in 2018. In 2019, the scope of NIA and UAPA was expanded through amendments. In the three new criminal laws implemented in 2024, for the first time, the provision of ‘Trial in Absentia’ (trial in the absence of a fugitive) has been made under Sections 355 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). CBI launched ‘Bharatpol’ (BHARATPOL) in January 2025, connecting over 1,400 agencies on one platform. Additionally, through ‘Operation Trishul’, the locations of fugitives are being traced using satellite inputs and digital footprints. With the use of technology, facilities like video conferencing for court hearings are now also available, which has accelerated the legal process.