Amit Shah calls for zero tolerance against fugitives, urges states to build international-standard prison cells

Home Minister Amit Shah.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said India must adopt a ruthless approach towards economic offenders, cyber criminals, terrorists, and other fugitives to ensure they are brought before the country’s justice system.

Speaking at a CBI-organised conference on ‘Extradition of Fugitives – Challenges and Strategies’ in New Delhi, Shah called for a “zero tolerance” policy not just against corruption, crime, and terrorism, but also against those operating from outside India’s borders.

“We must maintain zero tolerance against corruption, crime, and terrorism in India, but it is also our responsibility to maintain zero tolerance toward those who operate from outside India’s borders and to make efforts to bring them within the ambit of the law,” Shah said.

He urged all agencies to work in coordination and establish a concrete mechanism to ensure fugitives cannot evade the law. “Whether they are economic offenders, cyber criminals, those involved in terrorist activities, or part of organised crime networks, a ruthless approach must be adopted against every fugitive. The time has come for this,” he said.

The home minister added that the Narendra Modi government has implemented “foolproof measures” to ensure no offender escapes justice. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a strong India is moving forward to ensure not only the security of its borders but also the effective enforcement of the rule of law,” he said.

Emphasising the need for speed in law enforcement, Shah said, “No matter how fast a criminal may move, the reach of justice should be even swifter.”

Highlighting past challenges, he noted that earlier, the issue was not of missing laws or procedures but a lack of coordinated effort between states and agencies.

He also asked all states to set up at least one prison cell of international standards in their respective state to counter the plea of poor standards of jails given by fugitives in foreign courts.

The two-day CBI conference, inaugurated by Shah, brings together senior officers from central and state police forces to strengthen international police cooperation and develop strategies to locate and bring back fugitives to face justice in India.

* With agency inputs