Prasad, a 1989-batch officer from the Odisha cadre, has previously held the position of Special Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
Senior IPS officer Amrit Mohan Prasad, who currently serves as the Director-General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has been assigned the additional role of Chief of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) following the retirement of former Chief Zulfiqar Hasan on October 31. Hasan, a 1988-batch IPS officer from the West Bengal cadre, concluded his tenure, creating the need for interim leadership at BCAS.
Prasad, a 1989-batch officer from the Odisha cadre, has previously held the position of Special Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His extensive experience in law enforcement brings a steady hand to the BCAS, particularly at a time when the aviation sector is grappling with numerous security challenges.
Since early October, a series of hoax threats have targeted Indian airlines, impacting hundreds of flights. While authorities have managed to avoid significant flight diversions, these threats have caused delays that are disrupting schedules. Each reported threat requires comprehensive inspections to ensure passenger safety, adding to operational delays.
Industry experts are emphasizing the need for a permanent BCAS chief to address these ongoing security issues effectively. Many are calling for a prompt appointment to strengthen aviation security oversight amid the increasing challenges. In response, the government is adopting a multi-pronged approach to manage these disruptions while maintaining stringent security protocols.
For now, Prasad will lead BCAS as an interim chief, overseeing aviation security operations and working with the government to address both current and emerging security threats.
