Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday called for an unrelenting, zero-tolerance assault on fugitives operating from foreign soils, vowing to drag economic offenders, cyber crooks, terrorists, and organized crime lords back to face Indian courts. Speaking at the CBI-organized conference on 'Extradition of Fugitives - Challenges and Strategies' in the national capital, Shah emphasized that the era of easy escapes is over, urging a systematic overhaul to ensnare every absconder under the long arm of the law.

"Whether it's white-collar fraudsters siphoning billions, hackers crippling digital infrastructures, jihadi operatives plotting from afar, or mafia kingpins running syndicates remotely – we must adopt a ruthless, no-holds-barred approach to haul them before our justice system," Shah thundered, highlighting how these cross-border threats undermine India's economic stability and national security. He pointed to high-profile cases like diamond merchant Nirav Modi in the UK or betting app masterminds in Dubai, stressing that complacency is not an option in Modi's 'New India'.

Expanding on the government's iron-fisted strategy, Shah revealed that the Narendra Modi administration has already fortified legal frameworks with foolproof extradition treaties and bilateral pacts, ensuring no offender slips through the cracks. "Prime Minister Modi's leadership has transformed India into a fortress – securing borders while bolstering the rule of law internally. We've ramped up Interpol coordination, asset freezes abroad, and diplomatic pressures that have brought back over a dozen fugitives in recent years," he boasted, citing successes like the extradition of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari from the UK earlier this year.

Also Read: ‘No Place to Hide’: Amit Shah Hails Operation Sindoor as India’s Global Anti-Terror Triumph

The Home Minister didn't stop at rhetoric; he laid out actionable blueprints for the future. "Justice must outpace crime's cunning tactics – be it AI-driven cyber attacks or terror funding via cryptocurrencies. We need dedicated task forces blending CBI, NIA, and ED expertise with international agencies like FBI and Europol," Shah proposed, adding that technology like blockchain tracing and AI surveillance will be game-changers in tracking illicit funds flowing to tax havens.

In a pragmatic move to dismantle common legal hurdles, Shah directed all states to establish at least one state-of-the-art prison facility meeting global standards – complete with modern amenities, CCTV monitoring, and humane conditions. "Fugitives often exploit claims of 'substandard jails' in foreign courts to delay or deny extradition. This excuse ends now; our upgraded facilities will silence such pleas and expedite returns," he asserted, noting that pilot projects in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra are already underway, adhering to UN norms on prisoner rights.

Shah also underscored the broader war on corruption, crime, and terrorism, stating that zero tolerance extends beyond borders. "From hawala networks funding extremism to deepfake scams defrauding millions, every threat will be neutralized. Our agencies have seized assets worth billions from absconders, proving that flight doesn't mean freedom," he said, praising the CBI's role in hosting the conference, which brought together legal experts, diplomats, and law enforcement from over 20 countries to brainstorm strategies like mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) and real-time intelligence sharing.

As global crime evolves with globalization, Shah's address signals India's proactive stance: no safe havens for the guilty. With elections looming and security paramount, this crackdown could deter potential offenders while boosting public confidence in the government's resolve. Experts at the conference echoed that enhanced cooperation could see extradition timelines slashed from years to months, marking a new chapter in India's fight for justice without frontiers. As Shah wrapped up, his message was clear – in Modi's India, crime's global playground is shrinking fast.

Also Read: Pawan Singh Declines Election Run, Calls Himself BJP’s ‘True Soldier’