Rakesh Asthana appointed Border Security Force DG

NEW DELHI: Bureau of civil aviation security (BCAS) chief Rakesh Asthana was on Monday appointed as director general, Border Security Force (BSF). Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre who has earlier served as CBI special director, will continue to hold additional charge as DG, Narcotics Control Bureau.
The government on Friday also approved the appointment of V S K Kaumudi, presently chief of bureau of police research and development (BPR&D), as special secretary (internal security) in the home ministry. Md Jawed Akhtar, a 1986 batch IPS officer from UP cadre and presently 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 DG 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 an alleged row with his then boss, CBI director Alok Verma who leveled serious charges against the former .
The newly appointed BSF chief was subsequently given a clean chit on all the allegations made against him.