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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated,...

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated, highlighting the dramatic turnaround. He revealed that from approximately 100 Maoist cadres on record in January 2024, the number has plummeted to barely 10 individuals whose movements are now confined to a very small pocket of the Bhamragad sub-division in South Gadchiroli, near the Chhattisgarh border. “North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoism. The Maoists have to surrender and join the mainstream or face police action... there is no other option.” The SP attributes this success to a meticulously executed multi-pronged strategy encompassing intensified anti-Maoist operations, a robust Civic Action Programme, and the effective utilisation of Maharashtra’s attractive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. The Gadchiroli Police, especially the elite C-60 commandos, have achieved significant operational milestones. In the last three years alone, they have neutralised 43 hardcore Maoists and achieved a 100 per cent success rate in operations without police casualties for nearly five years. SP Neelotpal highlighted that the security forces have aggressively moved to close the “security vacuum,” which was once an estimated 3,000 square kilometres of unpoliced territory used by Maoists for training and transit. The establishment of eight new police camps/Forward Operating Bases (FoBs) since January 2023, including in the remote Abujhmad foothills, has been crucial in securing these areas permanently. Winning Hearts, Minds The Civic Action Programme has been deemed a “game changer” by the SP. Through schemes like ‘Police Dadalora Khidaki’ and ‘Project Udaan’, the police have transformed remote outposts into service delivery centres, providing essential government services and employment opportunities. This sustained outreach has successfully countered Maoist propaganda and, most critically, resulted in zero Maoist recruitment from Gadchiroli for the last few years. Surrender Wave The state’s progressive rehabilitation policy has seen a massive influx of surrenders. “One sentiment is common among all the surrendered cadres: that the movement has ended, it has lost public support, and without public support, no movement can sustain,” the SP noted. The surrender of key figures, notably that of Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias ‘Bhupathi,’ a CPI (Maoist) Politburo member, and his wife Sangeeta, was a “landmark development” that triggered a surrender wave. Since June 2024, over 126 Maoists have surrendered. The rehabilitation program offers land, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and employment. Surrendered cadres are receiving skill training and are successfully transitioning into normal life, with around 70 already employed in the local Lloyds plant. A District Reborn The transformation of Gadchiroli is now moving beyond security concerns. With the decline of extremism, the district is rapidly moving towards development and normalcy. The implementation of development schemes, round-the-clock electricity, water supply, mobile towers, and new infrastructure like roads and bridges is being given top priority. He concludes that the police’s focus is now shifting from an anti-Maoist offensive to routine law-and-order policing, addressing new challenges like industrialisation, theft, and traffic management. With the Maoist movement in “complete disarray” and major strongholds like the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zone collapsing, the SP is highly optimistic. Gadchiroli is not just getting rid of the Naxal menace; it is embracing its future as a developing, peaceful district, well on track to meet the central government’s goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

Forensic Odontology: Dental Science in Criminal Investigation

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

Dental Science

The use of dental science in legal proceedings, or “forensic odontology,” is a branch of forensic science that uses dental science to identify deceased individuals in legal proceedings. It involves comparing ante- and post-mortem records to identify individuals, aiding in mass catastrophes, criminal investigations, ethnic studies, and corpse decomposition. Forensic anthropologists create a comprehensive postmortem record, adding details like ancestry, age, and sex. Accurate dental records are crucial for patient care and medicolegal obligations.


Forensic odontology has roots dating back to ancient times, with notable instances of dental identification dating back to 66 A.D. A historical case involved Nero’s wife being identified by her distinctive black anterior teeth. The formal recognition of forensic odontology began in the 19th century with the Webster-Parkman case in 1849 in the United States. Dr. Oscar Amoeda is often referred to as, the “father of forensic odontology” for his work in identifying Paris fire victims using dental records. Forensic identification in India began in 1193 with the murder of Jai Chand. In 1776, dentist Paul Revere fabricated a small denture to identify Dr. Joseph Waren, allowing him to be buried with military honour.


Forensic odontology played a significant role in criminal investigations, such as the 2013 Delhi Gang Rape Case known as the Nirbhaya case, where dental forensics provided critical evidence against the accused. The dentist compared the arrangement of teeth with the bite mark left on the victim, leading to the arrest of six men, including a juvenile. In the 2014 murder of a child in Mumbai, dental records were used to identify the dismembered victim, emphasising the importance of dental identification in cases involving severe mutilation. In the 2018 Murder of a Young Woman in Telangana, bite mark analysis linked the suspect to the crime scene, leading to a conviction based on dental evidence. Another case where bite marks on victims played a crucial role in the conviction of serial rapist and murderer Umesh Reddy in India.


The Honourable Supreme Court of India has emphasised the significance of forensic odontology as a crucial piece of evidence in criminal investigations. In the Nirbhaya case, the court upheld a death sentence based on corroborative forensic evidence, including bite mark analysis. The court praised the scientific rigour of forensic odontologists, recognising dental records as conclusive proof in cases of decomposition or mutilation.


DNA analysis techniques from dental pulp are becoming more refined, allowing for victim identification in mass disasters and criminal cases. Digital forensics ultilises computer-assisted technologies for dental records and analysing bite marks, which give precise comparisons between antemortem and postmortem dental records, improving the reliability of identifications. Facial reconstruction and tongue print analysis are being explored to enhance identification possibilities in forensic investigations. Additionally, software like ABFO (American Board of Forensic Odontology) scales for bite mark analysis and advanced techniques to match dental records have made significant strides in recent times. Digital tooth reconstruction uses dental socket morphology to replace missing teeth from skeletal remains, with minimal discrepancy between natural and 3D printed teeth, proving identification valid post-mortem.


Forensic Odontology, as a scientific discipline, and its wide scope in criminal investigations in India are yet to be enhanced, and its exposure to law enforcement agencies must be incorporated as part of their training. Some of the eminent forensic odontologists of India include Dr. Ashith B. Acharya (Professor & HOD of Forensic Odontology, SDM College of Dental Science, president-elect of the Indian Association of Forensic Odontology), Dr. Abraham Johnson (Asst. Professor at National Forensic Sciences University, executive committee member, Indian Association of Forensic Odontology, and member of Indo Pacific Academy of Forensic Odontology), and many more.


Forensic odontology is an invaluable tool in criminal investigations, offering unique insights into identifying victims and solving cases. Its continued advancement and integration into law enforcement practices promise to enhance justice and accountability in the future.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic consultant to Assam government. Phukan is student of Forensic Science in NFSU, Guwahati. Views personal.)

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