Question : Alleged Atrocities by BSF

(a) the discretionary powers enjoyed by the Border Security Force (BSF) with regard to interrogation and arrests of suspected persons in the border areas;

(b) whether there are reports of atrocities by the BSF personnel against the people living in villages along the border areas;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(d) the mechanism/agency available for redressal of complaints of such atrocities against the people living in the border areas of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a): Border Security Force (BSF) has been vested with powers of arrest, search and seizure under some Central Acts exercisable in a specified border area / belt.

(b) & (c): There is no such report of atrocities by the BSF personnel against the people living in villages along the border areas. However, during the current year, one complaint for atrocities by BSF personnel in border areas has been received, but the same was not found correct.

(d): In such cases the victim can avail the services of local police or legal services as applicable to every citizen of India by filing FIR in local police stations, lodging complaint with respective BSF local unit, lodging online complaint in Grievance redressal system etc. However, if any complaint is received in MHA / BSF, the same is dealt as per the provisions of BSF Act and Rules.


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