The Narendra Modi government has launched integrated, intelligence-led and technology-driven operations to pursue fugitives hiding in foreign countries, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday.
In a series of posts on X, Shah said the new criminal laws have strengthened the justice system's ability to act against absconding accused. He highlighted the provision for trial in absentia, saying it has empowered authorities to initiate proceedings against criminals who evade the law by remaining outside the country.
According to Shah, the stringent implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has resulted in the confiscation of assets worth ₹17,874 crore, while assets worth ₹18,762 crore have been restored.
The Home Minister also referred to frameworks such as BHARATPOL, saying they have created seamless coordination mechanisms across countries and improved India's ability to track fugitives globally.
Shah claimed that India's revised approach to national security has led to the return of 274 criminals since 2019, compared to an average of four fugitives brought back annually during the UPA government.
"New India has addressed every gap in the old system through new laws, institutions and global partnerships," Shah said, adding that the government's efforts have created a stronger security network against absconding offenders.