NEW DEHI: Modi govt brought back 274 fugitives – wanted in cases related to terror, organised crime, murder and economic offences, among other crimes – from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026, besides attaching fugitives’ assets worth Rs 17,874 crore over the same period.Ministry of home affairs Tuesday contrasted these statistics with the record of UPA govt, which had no dedicated law to deal with economic fugitives or to confiscate their assets.“Between 2004 and 2013, India secured extradition of only four fugitives per year… while 110 extradition requests remained pending,” said an MHA spokesperson, adding extradition agreements existed with only 37 countries then, with incomplete documentation and slow processing making the extradition process highly cumbersome.Stating Modi govt treats extradition of fugitives as a “national priority”, MHA said the turnaround since 2019 has focused on updating legal and institutional frameworks, sustained diplomatic persistence and continuous follow-up on extradition requests by agencies. “Union minister Amit Shah has emphasised a three-pronged strategy against fugitives – global outreach, strong coordination and smart diplomacy,” MHA said in the statement.This is reflected in the figures: 274 fugitives – including 26/11 attacks conspirator Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was extradited from the US – have been brought back to India since 2019 and 541 Interpol red corner notices issued between 2022 and 2026.
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The strengthening of the legal framework against fugitives started in 2019-20 with amendments to NIA Act and UAPA law to expand the scope of action to individual terrorists and funding networks abroad. The new criminal laws implemented in 2024 provide for ‘trial in absentia’ of the fugitive accused.Besides, strict enforcement of PMLA ensured the attachment of assets worth Rs 17,874 crore between 2019 and 2026, with restitution of funds to the tune of Rs 18,762 crore.Govt on Tuesday said these efforts reflect a “whole of govt” approach, with central and state agencies working in close coordination to ensure the return of fugitive offenders and deliver speedy justice to victims.
