Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the Bharatpol portal on Tuesday, aimed at streamlining the process for Indian law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to seek international cooperation through Interpol in criminal investigations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses the gathering during the launch of ‘Bharatpol’ portal developed by the CBI, in New Delhi, on January 7, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI
The portal enables requests for issuing ‘Red’ and other color-coded notices against fugitives wanted for crimes in India.
Amit Shah during the launch said, "'Bharatpol' has been launched here today. Bharatpol will take our country's international investigations to a new era. CBI was the only agency identified to work with the Interpol but with the launch of Bharatpol, every Indian agency and all states' police will easily be able to connect with the Interpol... We will be able to bridge gaps and work efficiently to control crime."
Emphasizing the government’s dedication to strengthening law enforcement agencies, the home ministry announced that the Bharatpol portal will greatly improve coordination between central law enforcement bodies and state police by facilitating real-time information exchange and expediting access to international police support.
“This is a landmark day as the Bharatpol portal, developed by the CBI, will enhance the global reach of our investigation agencies, fulfilling the government’s vision of a secure Bharat for all,” Shah made the statement at the launch, which coincided with the CBI investiture ceremony. During the event, he also awarded police medals to 35 CBI officers.
The CBI, serving as India's national central bureau for Interpol, fosters international cooperation in criminal cases by working with agencies nationwide. This collaboration, managed through Interpol liaison officers (ILOs) at the central, state, and union territory levels, is anticipated to become more streamlined with Bharatpol. Previously, communication between the CBI, ILOs, and unit officers (UOs) primarily relied on letters, emails, and faxes, which often led to delays.
“The growing threat of transnational crimes—such as cybercrime, financial fraud, online radicalisation, organised crime, drug and human trafficking—demands rapid and real-time international assistance,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Bharatpol portal, available via the CBI's official website, tackles this issue by bringing all stakeholders together on a unified platform.
This portal is set to be a game-changer for field-level police officers, improving their capacity to address crimes and security challenges effectively. By streamlining access to international support, it bolsters India’s fight against transnational crime.
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries and senior officials from the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and other central police organizations.
Everything You Should Know About the Bharatpol Portal
Real-time Information Exchange: BHARATPOL enables faster and more efficient real-time information sharing between law enforcement agencies (LEAs) within India and internationally.
Centralized Platform for Global Support: The portal serves as a unified platform to handle international requests related to criminal investigations, including the issuance of Red Notices and other INTERPOL alerts.
Enhanced Collaboration: It fosters improved cooperation between central, state, and union territory law enforcement agencies, ensuring seamless communication across various police bodies.
Streamlined Communication: The portal replaces outdated communication methods (letters, emails, faxes) with faster, digital solutions, promoting efficient interactions between CBI, INTERPOL Liaison Officers (ILOs), and Unit Officers (UOs).
Combating Transnational Crimes: It addresses the rising threat of transnational crimes such as cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking, and organized crime by enabling swift international support.
Empowering Field-level Officers: BHARATPOL equips field-level police officers with the necessary tools to effectively address crime and security challenges by providing better access to global resources.
Faster Response Time: The portal significantly reduces the processing time for international assistance requests, improving India's ability to respond to global criminal matters.
Strengthening Law Enforcement in India: The platform is part of a larger initiative to enhance India’s law enforcement capabilities and improve coordination in the fight against transnational crime.
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