Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Bharatpol portal on January 7, aiming to enhance international cooperation among law enforcement agencies and streamline the investigation of transnational crimes. Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Bharatpol will serve as a real-time assistance hub to combat crimes across borders by facilitating easy communication between Indian authorities and Interpol.

What is Bharatpol and Why Was It Developed?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acting as the National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol in India, serves as the liaison between Indian law enforcement and police forces from 195 countries. Currently, communication between Indian authorities and international law enforcement relies on outdated methods like emails, faxes, and letters, leading to delays in investigations. Bharatpol addresses this challenge by providing a seamless platform for swift international cooperation.

The development of Bharatpol comes at a time when crimes like cybercrime, financial frauds, human trafficking, and drug trafficking are increasingly crossing national borders. Real-time communication and collaboration are essential to investigating and resolving such transnational crimes effectively.

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Key Features of the Bharatpol Portal

The Bharatpol portal boasts five key features that aim to improve communication, speed, and efficiency in international criminal investigations:

1. Unified Platform: The portal integrates the CBI and all Indian law enforcement authorities, ensuring that police officers at all levels, from Superintendents of Police (SPs) to Commissioners of Police (CPs), can seamlessly connect with Interpol.
2. Simplified Request Mechanism: Frontline officers now have a simplified process to request international assistance through standardized templates. This feature eliminates the need for cumbersome manual requests and expedites the response time.
3. Rapid Information Dissemination: Bharatpol facilitates the swift sharing of criminal intelligence and case-related information between Indian authorities and their counterparts in 195 countries. This ensures timely updates and collaboration in ongoing investigations.
4. Enhanced Use of Interpol Notices: The portal streamlines the process of drafting and issuing Red Corner Notices and other Interpol notices. This feature is particularly beneficial for tracking criminals, their activities, and any associated financial assets globally.
5. Capacity Building and Training: Bharatpol offers valuable resources, including training materials, templates, and documents, to improve the capabilities of Indian law enforcement officers in handling international investigations and acquiring foreign assistance through Interpol.

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Key Modules of the Bharatpol Portal

The Bharatpol portal is organized into five key modules that structure its operation:

1. Connect: This module ensures that Indian law enforcement agencies can function as an extension of Interpol’s NCB-New Delhi, facilitating secure, rapid, and structured transmission of criminal requests.
2. INTERPOL Notices: This feature simplifies the process of issuing and responding to Interpol notices, making it easier for Indian authorities to request information on fugitives and criminal activities from other countries.
3. References: This module allows law enforcement officers to access previous cases, references, and pertinent legal documents, aiding them in conducting thorough investigations.
4. Broadcast: This module serves as a broadcasting tool for disseminating urgent requests and information to Interpol’s 195 member countries.
5. Resources: Officers will have access to various resources, including templates, training manuals, and guidelines to improve their international investigative skills.

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Minister Amit Shah’s Remarks

Speaking at the inauguration event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Amit Shah emphasized the importance of modernizing India’s law enforcement techniques to tackle global challenges. He said, “Bharatpol is a step towards ensuring that our investigation agencies remain technologically advanced and can act swiftly in the face of global criminal activities.”

Shah added that the portal will allow Indian agencies to share and obtain case-related information with the 195 Interpol member nations, thereby improving coordination and enhancing the country’s ability to fight transnational crime.

A Step Toward Modernizing Indian Investigations

With the launch of Bharatpol, India is taking a significant step toward modernizing its approach to international law enforcement cooperation. The portal will streamline processes, reduce delays, and ensure that Indian authorities are better equipped to handle the complexities of global criminal networks. As transnational crimes continue to rise, the timely and effective exchange of information will be crucial in maintaining security and combating global criminal activities.