Power not increased, only the jurisdiction extended: BSF Additional DG YB Khurania

A day after the West Bengal meeting handed decision towards extension of jurisdiction of BSF, the Border Safety Power (BSF) in Kolkata has made it clear that the facility of BSF has not been elevated although the jurisdiction has been prolonged.

BSF’s Extra Director Common Y B Khurania mentioned BSF has restricted powers and at all times labored in shut coordination with the state police and can proceed to take action.

“In accordance with three notifications below Felony Process Code 1973, Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and Passport Act 1967, jurisdiction of BSF in West Bengal, Punjab and Assam have been prolonged to 50kms whereas within the different states Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, the jurisdiction of BSF covers the entire state,” BSF ADG YB Khurania on Wednesday mentioned.

“The BSF is the primary line of defence of the nation and mandated to protect our worldwide border alongside Pakistan and Bangladesh. BSF has very restricted powers below these acts-search, seizure and arrest. BSF just isn’t an investigating company. No matter search, seizure is made on the border is handed over to the legislation enforcement company. Any seizure or apprehension made must be handed over to the native police or some other legislation enforcement company,” Khurania mentioned.

“There’s synergy between state police, legislation enforcement companies and BSF. We additionally conduct joint operations each on the border and the hinterland. We shouldn’t have powers to register an FIR or to hold out investigations. Even after the notifications, the powers stay the identical. There’s solely an extension of the jurisdiction. As earlier than, we are going to proceed to work in shut synergy with the legislation enforcement companies,” he emphasised.

Although the ruling social gathering in West Bengal alleged that the extension of the territorial jurisdiction of BSF is an effort to encroach on the powers and authorities of the state and an effort to disturb the federal construction of the nation, Khurania mentioned, “BSF has been performing in shut coordination with police to conduct Joint Operations together with Joint depth space patrolling and establishing of Anti Human Trafficking Items at totally different locations alongside the India-Bangladesh border. Synergy with all state companies is being maintained by BSF for sustaining safety on the worldwide border.”

Dinhata MLA Udayan Guha had made severe allegations within the state meeting towards the BSF, saying the jawans heckled and harassed the ladies within the identify of frisking.

“Now we have mahila praharis (girls guards) within the Jap command who’re used for frisking girls. Now we have CCTVs. Sadly, such issues have been mentioned. BSF is a disciplined pressure. Any act of misdemeanour just isn’t taken flippantly, if confirmed stringent motion is taken. At any time when such an incident takes place we order inquiries, and we additionally inform the police. Now we have a zero-tolerance coverage on such issues,” Khurania mentioned.

Trinamool Minister Partha Chatterjee mentioned that his social gathering doesn’t have any grievance towards BSF as a pressure. “The frequent folks have allegations towards them in some belts of nadia, Coochbehar and another bordering areas. These allegations must be tackled by the BSF. Nonetheless, by extending their jurisdiction, they’re used as a part of political ploy,” Chatterjee commented.