NEW DELHI: Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) chief Rakesh Asthana was appointed as director general of Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday. Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre who earlier served as CBI special director, will continue to hold additional charge as DG, Narcotics Control Bureau.
The government also approved the appointment of V S K Kaumudi, chief of Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), as special secretary (internal security) in the home ministry. Jawed Akhtar, a 1986 batch IPS officer from UP cadre working as special DG, CRPF, was appointed as DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard.
BSF has not had a full-time chief for several months now, with ITBP DG S S Deswal holding additional charge as head of the border-guarding force. Asthana will be DG, BSF until his superannuation on July 31, 2021, or until furthers orders. He is also seen a strong contender for the post of CBI director when the incumbent’s term ends in February next year.
During his stint in CBI, Asthana was involved in a row with his then boss, CBI director Alok Verma, who levelled serious charges against the former.
The newly-appointed BSF chief was subsequently given a clean chit on all the allegations made against him.
