To further enhance border management and security along the Indo-Bangladesh border Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General (ADG), Eastern Command, BSF, Kolkata, undertook a two-day comprehensive visit to the border areas of Malda and Murshidabad districts.He was accompanied by Karani Singh Shekhawat, Inspector General, Frontier Headquarters South Bengal, Kolkata, Tarun Kumar Gautam, Deputy Inspector General, sector Headquarters Malda and other senior officers of Frontier Headquarters South Bengal, sector Headquarters Malda and Central Public Works Department (CPWD) during the visit.
On 30 March 2025 at around 0900 hrs Ravi Gandhi, ADG, along with Karani Singh Shekhawat, Inspector General, BSF, arrived at the NTPC Farakka helipad via helicopter. From there, they proceeded to the 71 Battalion Headquarters in Vaishnavnagar. There, ADG and other officers held a meeting with the officers and reviewed the border management, operational preparedness and other related operational issues in detail.
After this, Gandhi along with the officers left for the visit of Malda District Border Area and Border Outposts under 88 Battalion. He also inspected the newly constructed Patrol Base at Itaghati and assessed the progress made in bringing the Domination Line closer to the International Border within the area of responsibility of Border Outpost Beldanga and Itaghati. In view of the ground situation and the sensitivity of the area Gandhi ordered to complete the fencing work on priority in the existing 29 km unfenced territory. Ravi Gandhi clarified that any lapse in sensitive border areas can become a serious threat to border security.
Later, the officers visited Border Outpost Chandnichak under the 71 Battalion in the Murshidabad District Border Area to gather insights of operational strategies and the border domination system. During the visit Gandhi held detailed discussions with BSF & CPWD officials regarding pending works related to the border fencing and land acquisition.
Ravi Gandhi issued strict instructions to expedite the completion of these tasks to enhance border management and security effectively.
During the visit Ravi Gandhi interacted directly with the jawans and listened attentively to their problems, requirements and challenges. The jawans openly shared their concerns regarding smuggling, infiltration and the evolving situation in the charland areas and the Additional Director General took their views seriously. ADG BSF commended the vigilance, discipline and dedication of jawans and assured them that every possible step would be taken to enhance their working conditions and fulfill their needs.
In the last leg of the visit Gandhi along with officers visited Border Outpost Neemtita and reviewed the security arrangements and operational strategies . He directed the jawans to stay vigilant and maintain a sharp watch on the activities of smugglers and infiltrators along the border. During his visit Shri Gandhi engaged with the residents of the border area, listening to their concerns with keen attention. The local farmers expressed their appreciation for the Border Security Force (BSF) and its efforts to bring the Domination Line closer to the international border. They informed Shri Gandhi that this initiative has significantly enhanced the security of their crops and alleviated many of their hardships. In response, Shri Gandhi reassured the villagers that the BSF remains committed to ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
In view of sensitive and recently changed situation in Malda and Murshidabad districts, Gandhi also showed special interest during his visit to get the necessary feedback and response from the supporting agencies and police.
Through this visit, Ravi Gandhi conveyed a strong message that border management and operational preparedness will be further enhanced. He emphasized the force’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening border security and taking all necessary measures to prevent smuggling and infiltration. Efforts will be intensified through more effective fencing and patrolling along the border. He reiterated that border security remains a top priority and that any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.
