Raman Srivastava takes over as BSF chiefIndia News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Raman Srivastava, an IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, assumed charge as Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday. Talking to reporters after taking charge, Srivastava said, "There are gaps in the border protection, which should be filled. The border is very long. There are gaps and we have to fill those. We have to further strengthen the organisation." On the BSF's role in curbing the smuggling of narcotics and fake Indian currency, he said: "The BSF is doing great. We have to see if there are chances of improvement." He also said the BSF is ready to take up anti-Naxal operations. "The BSF has always dealt with insurgency besides guarding the border. Fighting the Naxals will be slightly different but the force will rise to any challenge that is posed to it," he added. Srivastava replaces ML Kumawat who superannuated on July 31.