Dilip Cherian | New BSF chief's appointment marks a strategic shift

The appointment of Nitin Agarwal as the new director general of the Border Security Force (BSF) comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the bi-annual four-day border talks between the BSF and its Bangladesh counterpart, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), in Delhi. Those in the know informed DKB that CRPF DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen, who was holding the additional charge of BSF until now, headed the BSF during the talks.

This move reflects a strategic shift in India’s approach towards securing its borders and signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. Mr Agarwal’s extensive experience, fresh perspective and expertise in border management and counter-insurgency operations make him a valuable asset in leading the BSF. He has served in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), another border guarding force under the command of the ministry of home affairs (MHA), apart from working in various capacities in his cadre state of Kerala.

In today’s complex geo-political environment, the BSF’s effectiveness in securing our borders relies on seamless cooperation with intelligence agencies, local law enforcement and the Indian Army. Mr Agarwal’s leadership and ability to forge partnerships will be crucial in fostering synergy among these entities and effectively facilitating joint operations to counter transnational threats.

When babus go wild: Hockey sticks and power play

The suspension of IAS officer Girdhar and IPS officer Sushil Kumar Bishnoi in Rajasthan following a brawl was necessary to address the public outcry and ensure a fair investigation. However, this shocking incident raises broader questions about civil servants' selection and training processes. Many in the public are now questioning what the LBS Academy in Mussoorie is teaching the trainee civil servants and whether ethics is any part of the UPSC exam or training.

After the incident in which the two 2019-batch officers allegedly used hockey sticks to beat up hotel staff in Ajmer, in the presence of policemen, it is only natural to question how these individuals who have recently joined the services already feel entitled to abuse their power and resort to violence.

The episode has highlighted the need for continuous monitoring and accountability mechanisms within the civil service. It does not take much time for such incidents to tarnish the reputation of the all-India services and erode public trust, never high to begin with, in our babus. It is essential to thoroughly investigate the actions of the two officials and ensure that any misconduct is met with appropriate disciplinary measures.

Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, striving to retain power in the upcoming Assembly elections, must move swiftly and ensure that such shameful incidents are not repeated. While the state vigilance department’s probe is a step in the right direction, it should not end there.

TN govt locks out CBI, but may not be enough

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may be feeling increasingly locked out, with Tamil Nadu joining the list of Opposition-ruled states that have withdrawn their general consent to the CBI to probe cases within the state. as its operational area is Tamil Nadu. Now the CBI cannot register any case, conduct raids or probe Central government employees in Tamil Nadu without taking due sanctions from the M.K. Stalin government.

Though not entirely unexpected, the decision raises questions about the motivation and implications of the move on governance and accountability. Although the DMK government’s decision will limit the CBI’s investigative powers, observers say that it won’t keep the central agencies at bay. The withdrawal of consent applies only to future cases and not to cases already registered and under investigation.

Sources have informed DKB that the state’s consent is not required if the order for an investigation comes from the Supreme Court or the high court. In any case, the withdrawal of consent applies only to the CBI. Other Central agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or Enforcement Directorate (ED) can continue to probe any case anywhere in the country. So, the Tamil Nadu government may have made its political point about the Modi Sarkar targeting opposition-ruled states by using central agencies, but it may be just that. The fear of “arbitrary actions” by central agencies other than the CBI will still linger.