New Delhi- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday suggested the creation of a special prison for fugitives in each state that meets international standards, and cancel the passports of those facing Interpol red notices to blunt their claims of mistreatment upon extradition and stop their free movement across borders.

Several fugitives, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, have raised the issue of“poor conditions” of Indian prisons to counter their extradition in foreign courts.

Inaugurating a conference on 'Extradition of Fugitives – Challenges and Strategies' organised by the CBI, Shah said,“Till the time we create fear for the Indian legal system in the minds of fugitives who are hurting the Indian economy, our sovereignty, and our security from abroad, we cannot ensure security of the country.” India has 338 extradition requests pending with various countries to bring back fugitives wanted for financial crimes, terrorism, and narcotics smuggling, among others.

Shah said the passports of fugitives could be red-flagged upon the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice against them.

“It is not a difficult thing to do with the present technologies. When a red notice is issued, the passport should be cancelled to block the fugitive's international travel. If we can build this provision into the system, it will help bring back the fugitives,” he said.

Giving his suggestions on the actionable outputs to be deliberated during the two-day conference being attended by all the state police chiefs, the home minister said a scientific database on fugitives should be developed and shared with all the states, which should include the type of crime committed by the offenders, present location, network in the country, and the status of repatriation attempts.

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