Kolkata: Senior IPS officer Mahesh Kumar Agarwal has officially taken charge as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Eastern Command of the Border Security Force (BSF), headquartered in Kolkata. A 1994-batch IPS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, Agarwal succeeds Ravi Gandhi, who served as ADG for 14 months during a particularly challenging period following last year’s political upheaval in Bangladesh.
The Eastern Command is tasked with securing the 4,096 km-long India-Bangladesh international border, stretching across West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
BSF, in an official statement, praised Agarwal’s extensive experience in law enforcement, spanning more than three decades. He has previously held prominent roles in both the Tamil Nadu Police and central deputations, including Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai; Inspector General overseeing law and order in Tamil Nadu; and senior positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Known for his leadership in operations targeting organized crime, cybercrime, and corruption, Agarwal has also led key public safety initiatives. He is a recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
After assuming charge, Agarwal commended the unwavering dedication of BSF personnel deployed along some of the country’s most difficult border terrains. He emphasized his commitment to strengthening border security, enhancing welfare measures for jawans, and ensuring greater synergy with other security and intelligence agencies.
He also held a review meeting with senior officers of the Eastern Command, encouraging all ranks to perform their duties with “dedication, sincerity, and commitment.”
Meanwhile, outgoing ADG Ravi Gandhi has been appointed as ADG (Logistics) at the BSF headquarters in Delhi.
