U.S. border officials have captured a fugitive wanted for murder in India as he attempted to sneak into Canada from the United States. The incident occurred on Sunday when Vishat Kumar, 22, tried to cross the Peace Bridge connecting Buffalo, New York, to Ontario.
Biometric Technology Uncovers True Identity
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Kumar was allegedly using a fake name and date of birth when he attempted to enter Canada. His true identity was discovered during a secondary inspection that utilized biometric technology.
Biometrics refers to unique physical measurements used for security purposes, including fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. This technology played a crucial role in identifying Kumar as the subject of an Interpol red notice issued by India for murder charges.
Criminal Background and Previous U.S. Entry
The CBP office in Buffalo revealed that Kumar had illegally entered the United States last year and subsequently failed to attend an asylum interview. After being denied entry into Canada this week, he was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Kumar is currently being held at a federal facility in Batavia, New York, pending removal proceedings that will return him to India to face the murder charges.
Understanding Interpol Red Notices
An Interpol red notice serves as an international alert issued by member countries of the global police organization. These notices typically describe fugitive suspects wanted for serious crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery, or child abuse.
However, it's important to note that a red notice does not function as an international arrest warrant. Interpol itself has no enforcement powers, leaving individual police organizations to decide whether to act on the notice according to their domestic laws.
While the United States and India maintain an extradition treaty, Kumar's case involves deportation rather than extradition. The deportation of a foreign national who is in the United States illegally back to their home country does not require formal extradition proceedings in court.
No specific details have been released regarding the murder charges Kumar faces in India.
Acting Area Port Director Sharon Swiatek commended the border officers in a prepared statement, saying: "The apprehension of this individual demonstrates the critical role our officers play in safeguarding our nation and working collaboratively with international partners to uphold justice."
She added that the arrest "highlights our commitment to ensuring that those who attempt to evade accountability for serious crimes are identified and brought to justice."
