Union minister Amit Shah has emphasised a three-pronged strategy against fugitives — global outreach, strong coordination and smart diplomacy, MHA said 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.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe 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.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can Happen123PhotostoriesThe first date was amazing. So why wasn’t there a second? 9 reasons it happens more often than you think12 dhaba-style potato dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinnerWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh
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.
