In service of the nation

After completing his five-year central deputation with the Border Security Force (BSF) in various capacities, including Inspector General of the Gujarat Frontier and the South Bengal Frontier, IPS officer Santosh Mehra has only recently assumed the duties of Additional Director General of Police, Telangana.

Notably, soon after this deputation, Mehra became the only IPS officer from the Telugu states to serve as the team leader for the ‘Hot Springs delegation’ as well as the liaison officer for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

He shares, “Looking after the wellbeing (providing medical aid, conditioning, food, etc.) of the 45-member team (from NSG, CBI, IB, CISF, BSF, SPG and IPS among others) to Hot Springs (to a level of 19,600 ft) in China is a very difficult expedition. The 25-day trip may sometimes result in high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) in the officers if their body can’t cope up with low levels of oxygen. I had to send back a few officers on this account.”

Similarly, for Mehra, leading the biggest ever contingent of 60 civilians during the 20-day Kailash Yatra was very risky. “People in the age group of 60s and 70s are also a part of the yatra; so sometimes, suddenly, people develop health problems despite undergoing thorough medical check-ups. A few even died. Earlier people used to come here only to die, believing that if they die here, they will have good karma. The trekking route is extremely dangerous, so I am responsible for the lives of all the people. Liaising with the Chinese government amid landslides, dangerous terrains, medical emergencies, etc., was an incredible challenge,” he narrates.

The BSF days Talking about his days before coming to Telangana, he says, “BSF is considered to be the best amongst the Central Armed Police Forces and is the largest border guard force in the world. According to UN conventions, the Army will be positioned only in a disputed territory (like the Kargil) between two countries, and it’s the BSF that will work on the border.” It is a known fact that life as a BSF member is completely different and extremely tough. Mehra explains, “There’s a lot of responsibility and pressure. A slight lapse in concentration could result in havoc by the terrorists. Also, staying away from the family is a serious concern. But working in national interest and fighting against Pakistan in one of the world’s most uninhabited places, the Rann of Kutch, gave me the greatest satisfaction.”

Mehra also reveals that working at the Indo-Bangladesh border was far more challenging than working at the Indo-Pak border. “The Bangla border territory has got serious security implications for activities including cattle smuggling, counterfeiting currency, etc. Since we are friendly countries, we have a soft policy towards them and can’t take stringent action; that was really challenging.

Similarly, gunning down terrorists through Fast Attack Craft at the Gujarat border was also demanding.”

The Lucknow-born admits that during his BSF stint, he missed out on family time. “My wife and children have been a great support throughout,” says Mehra, who likes to participate in marathons as they are a stress buster.