Kolkata, Nov. 17 : The Border Security Force authorities on Wednesday made it clear that they have no intention and authority to interfere to the state law and order system and they work in synergy with the local police.
The clarification came a day after a Trinamul MLA accused the force personnel of outraging the modesty of women during frisking and also the state assembly passed a resolution demanding withdrawal of the recent MHA order that extended the territorial jurisdiction of the BSF from 15 to 50 km from the zero line.
BSF authorities claimed that the enhanced jurisdiction will help the force to strengthen the hands of the Police rather. The Bsf authorities also termed it as an enabling provision aimed at strengthening and complementing the efforts of the State Police.
Speaking to the media persons in Calcutta Additional Director General of BSF Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said, “We are not an investigating agency. Our role is limited to searching, arrest and seizure. We work in coordination with state police and hand over the apprehended person and seized items to them and other agencies. We are having a very comfortable relationship with them.We have synergy with police and other agencies”, the ADG said.
The BSF authorities also refuted tbe allegations of outraging the modesty of women during frisking. “Such frisking is only done by women personnel”, a senior BSF official from North Bengal said adding that BSF is a discipline force and any act of indiscipline dealt stringently action with zero tolerance.
1969, BSF conferred the powers of arrest, search and seizure under certain acts and laws, which extended till 15 Kms in state of West Bengal and Assam.
The acts included Foreigners Act 1967, Foreigners Act (Entry into India) 1920, Customs Act, NDPS Act and Arms Act.
On October 11, the centte has issued three Notifications under provisions of CrPC 1973, Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920 and Passport Act 1967 uniformly extending the jurisdiction of BSF upto 50 Kms from border in Bengal and Assam.
“The above change in territorial jurisdiction pertains only to powers conferred upon BSF under Criminal Procedure Code 1973, Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and Passport Act 1967”, a statement issued by the BSF claimed.
ADG Khurania said, “Even after the fresh notification the power of BSF remains the same excep the area”.
“We have no policing powers. BF does not have powers to register FIR or to carry out investigations. Any seizure or apprehension made have to be handed over to State Police or any other Law Enforcement Agency. The State Police jurisdiction continues to be till International Boundary”, he added.
Speaking about the apprehensive media report which claimed extended area would create interference into state control over land and order as also alleged by the ruling Trinamul, tbe ADG said,” I would like to clarfify and reiterate that we have no such power of investigation”.
“We have been acting in close coordination with police to conduct Joint Operations including Joint depth area patrolling, raid and establishing of Anti Human Trafficking Units at different places along the Indo-Bangladesh border”, he further added.