Shri Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a senior Indian Police Service officer from the 1994 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has officially taken charge as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) Eastern Command. The change of command ceremony took place at the Special DG Headquarters in Kolkata, representing an important leadership transition amid heightened tensions along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Aggarwal succeeds Shri Ravi Gandhi, who led the Eastern Command for 14 months. His tenure was characterized by growing security concerns following the political transition in Bangladesh in August 2024. Gandhi has now been appointed ADG (Logistics) at the BSF Force Headquarters in New Delhi.
The Eastern Command, responsible for safeguarding India’s borders with Bangladesh across West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, has faced increasing challenges in recent months due to political instability in Bangladesh. This unrest has complicated border management, necessitating enhanced vigilance from the BSF.
Shri Aggarwal is recognized for his strategic acumen and previously served as Joint Director at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Chandigarh. His appointment to the ADG role was approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in January 2025, setting him on a four-year term. With a robust background in law enforcement and investigative operations, his leadership is expected to strengthen the BSF’s capabilities in this sensitive period.
The outgoing ADG, Ravi Gandhi, received commendation for his proactive leadership, particularly evident during his extensive inspection tour of the Malda district on April 15, 2025. This tour involved assessing security arrangements in areas prone to violence and played a key role in maintaining border integrity and operational readiness during a challenging time.
The BSF Eastern Command has a storied legacy, having been instrumental during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War by supporting the Mukti Bahini alongside the Indian Army. This historic contribution has been acknowledged by leaders on both sides of the border.
Established in 1965 following the Indo-Pak War, the BSF serves as a frontline defense force, tasked with protecting India’s borders with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. The force has continually modernized its approach, adopting technologies such as thermal imagers, ground sensors, and laser intrusion detection systems to enhance border surveillance.
As Shri Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal assumes this vital role, there are high expectations for his leadership to further elevate the BSF’s operational effectiveness and sustain the force’s steadfast commitment to national security. The BSF has reaffirmed its determination to safeguard the nation, resonating with its enduring motto: “Jai Hind.”
