274 Fugitives brought back from 36 nations Since '19

New Delhi: India has brought back 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries since 2019, including 26/11 Mumbai attacks prime accused Tahawwur Rana, the Union home ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry said this was achieved while acting on Union home minister Amit Shah's three-pronged strategy against fugitives: Global outreach, strong coordination and smart diplomacy.

The constitution of a Standing Focus Group under the Multi Agency Centre of the Intelligence Bureau in January 2026 marked a significant step in strengthening India's fugitive management framework, MHA statement said. It added that the group is responsible for prioritising fugitive cases, standardising dossiers, bridging information gaps, ensuring sustained follow-up with foreign partners and providing national-level support to cases initiated by state agencies.

Between 2004 and 2013, an average of only four fugitives were extradited each year, while 110 extradition requests remained pending. Before 2014, India had extradition treaties with 37 countries. There was also no dedicated law to deal with economic fugitives or to confiscate their assets. The sharing of information on fugitives, location tracking and the issuance of Interpol Red Corner Notices also moved at a slow pace, according to the MHA.


The government enacted the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (Amendment) Act in 2019, and from 2020 onwards, the process of bringing fugitive offenders back to India was taken up in mission mode, the statement said. The scope of action was expanded to include individual terrorists, handlers, funding networks and support systems based abroad, significantly strengthening India's ability to pursue fugitives and dismantle their networks.

In 2024, the Centre implemented three new criminal laws incorporating special provisions relating to fugitive offenders. Sections 355 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita provide for trial in absentia, enabling the entire judicial process, from trial to prosecution, to be completed even in the absence of an accused fugitive.

To strengthen coordination, connectivity, and information-sharing between India and global law enforcement agencies, BHARATPOL was launched in January 2025.

Many fugitives had changed their names or identities while residing abroad. However, through the use of advanced technology and profile mapping, Indian agencies were able to identify and trace them. Over the past three years, Red Corner Notices have been issued against 401 fugitive criminals.