Bharatpol Portal for Faster International Police Assistance

1. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah will launch BHARATPOL portal developed by central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi on 07th January, 2025 in Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
2. The portal aims to facilitate real-time information sharing among state police forces, central law enforcement agencies, and Interpol for faster international police assistance.

Need for Bharatpol Portal

1. Rising Transnational Crimes: With the growing footprint of cyber-crimes, financial crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, online radicalization, and other cross-border crimes, there is a growing need for rapid international cooperation in criminal investigations.
2. Real-Time Assistance: Bharatpol will allow Indian law enforcement to obtain real-time help from Interpol in resolving criminal cases that span across borders, particularly those involving fugitives or international criminal syndicates.

Key Features of Bharatpol

1. Efficient Communication: Bharatpol will replace traditional, slower methods of communication (such as letters, emails, and faxes) with real-time online coordination.
2. Centralized Platform: The portal will act as a common platform for all stakeholders involved in international cooperation:
   1. CBI (National Central Bureau of India)
   2. Interpol Liaison Officers (ILOs) at central, state, and Union Territory levels
   3. Unit Officers (UOs) like Superintendents of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Branch Heads
3. Functions: The platform will streamline requests for Interpol Red Notices (for fugitives), as well as other color-coded Interpol notices (like Blue, Green, Yellow Notices), making international cooperation more efficient and coordinated.

Significance of Bharatpol for Indian Law Enforcement

1. Facilitating Faster Requests: Bharatpol will significantly reduce delays in obtaining international assistance, making it a crucial tool for Indian police forces in criminal investigations.
2. Strengthening International Ties: This platform will bolster India’s law enforcement agencies in their collaboration with Interpol, ensuring quicker action in cases of fugitives or criminals hiding abroad.
3. Increased Efficiency in Law Enforcement: Bharatpol will increase the efficiency of field-level police officers by enabling immediate access to international resources, which will help them in tackling complex transnational crimes.

CBI’s Role in Bharatpol

1. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The CBI is India’s National Central Bureau (NCB) and is the only agency responsible for handling all Interpol-related matters in India.
2. Coordination via ILOs: The Interpol Liaison Officers (ILOs) in various states and Union Territories will work through the portal to facilitate the swift exchange of information between local police and international bodies.

The Project’s Design and Execution

1. Cutting-Edge Technology: Bharatpol is developed as a state-of-the-art online platform designed to facilitate real-time communication, replacing older methods (letters, emails, faxes).
2. Platform Accessibility: The portal will be accessible through its official website, making it easy for police officers at all levels to submit requests for international assistance related to Interpol notices and criminal investigations.
3. Faster Notice Publication: The portal is expected to speed up the issuance of notices, including Red Notices, which could help locate and arrest fugitives much more quickly.

Achievements of Interpol Coordination

1. Success in Criminal Extraditions: Since 2021, 100 wanted criminals, including 26 in 2024, have been successfully returned to India due to the coordination through Interpol.
2. Improved Criminal Extradition Process: The Bharatpol portal will make this process even more efficient, ensuring that more fugitives are returned to India with fewer delays.

Future Impact of Bharatpol

1. Boosting Efficiency: The portal will enable police officers to receive international support within a shorter time frame, making the fight against transnational crimes more effective.
2. Strengthening India’s Crime-fighting Efforts: By improving global police cooperation, the Bharatpol portal will make it easier for Indian authorities to tackle complex and serious crimes that require international collaboration.

Awards and Recognition at the Event

1. Police Medals Ceremony: During the launch event, Amit Shah will present Police Medals to 35 CBI officers and officials who have been recognized with:
   1. President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service
   2. Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation
2. These awards highlight the outstanding contributions made by the officers in investigation and law enforcement.

Conclusion

The Bharatpol portal will revolutionize how Indian law enforcement collaborates with Interpol, facilitating real-time coordination and faster access to international police assistance. This will lead to more efficient investigations, helping to tackle transnational crime effectively. The launch of Bharatpol marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s criminal justice system and global law enforcement ties.

 

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