Union home minister Amit Shah has asked the border-guarding paramilitary forces to form teams to take “ruthless” action against smuggling with help from local police, customs and the Intelligence Bureau.

“The home minister has told the (paramilitary) top brass that ruthless action should be taken against smuggling,” a Union home ministry official said.

“A comprehensive mapping of the border and the status of the fencing needs to be undertaken through foot or motorcycle patrolling.

The report should list the problem areas, gaps, issues and possible solutions and be sent to the respective directors-general.”

Shah had met the chiefs of the central paramilitary forces last month and reviewed the preparedness and overall functioning of the border-guarding forces.

“The home minister has directed the top brass to take the help of the Intelligence Bureau, customs and state police in identifying the officers involved in smuggling and compromising border security. Exemplary action should be taken against them,” the ministry official said.

Shah has also asked the paramilitary forces to ensure corruption-free purchases.

The Border Security Force guards the frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police secures the China border, the Sashastra Seema Bal is deployed on the Nepal border and the Assam Rifles is posted on the Myanmar border.