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,...

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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.

IPL’s Billion-Dollar Boost: How Cricket Powers India’s Economy

Waleed Hussain
Mar 30
3 min read

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has not only redefined cricket but has also orchestrated a financial symphony that resonates across various sectors of the economy. The league’s innovative blend of sports and entertainment has transformed cricket into a lucrative enterprise, with ripples felt far beyond the boundaries of the pitch.

A Decacorn in the Cricketing World

The IPL’s brand value has experienced meteoric growth, achieving ‘decacorn’ status—a term reserved for entities valued over $10 billion. In 2023, the league’s consolidated brand value, including that of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stood at a staggering $10.7 billion, marking a 28 per cent increase from $8.4 billion in 2022. This valuation not only underscores the league’s financial prowess but also its significant role in elevating cricket’s commercial landscape.

Broadcasting Rights: The Golden Goose

A substantial portion of the IPL’s revenue stems from broadcasting rights. For the 2018-2022 cycle, these rights were sold for a colossal $2.55 billion. The trend continued with the 2023 season, where media rights were auctioned for a whopping $6.4 billion, translating to $13.4 million per match. This escalation reflects the insatiable appetite for live cricket content and the league’s ability to attract massive viewership, making it a broadcaster’s delight.

Economic Ripple Effects

The IPL’s economic impact extends beyond the cricketing fraternity. In 2020, the league infused approximately $6.7 billion into India’s economy. This influx is attributed to various factors, including tourism, employment generation, and advertising revenues. The 60-day tournament format not only captivates audiences but also stimulates economic activity across multiple sectors.

Tourism and Hospitality: A Beneficiary

The tourism and hospitality sectors have been significant beneficiaries of the IPL’s success. In 2019, the league attracted around 400,000 tourists to India, generating approximately $68 million for the hospitality industry. The return of the IPL to India in 2025 is anticipated to further bolster revenues in these sectors, highlighting the league’s role as a catalyst for tourism.

Sponsorships and Advertising: A Lucrative Avenue

Sponsorship deals have been a cornerstone of the IPL’s financial model. In 2023, the total sponsorship fees reached approximately INR 1.9 billion (around $24 million), with prominent brands like the Tata Group and Dream11 associating themselves with the league. This lucrative avenue not only enhances brand visibility for sponsors but also contributes significantly to the league’s revenue streams.

Franchise Valuations: Skyrocketing Assets

The financial success of the IPL is mirrored in the soaring valuations of its franchises. For instance, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have seen their brand value escalate over the years, reflecting the overall growth trajectory of the league. This surge in franchise valuations underscores the IPL’s robust business model and its appeal to investors.

A Humorous Spin: Cricket’s Economic Powerplay

To put the IPL’s economic impact into perspective, consider this: the league’s 2023 media rights deal of $6.4 billion is akin to purchasing over 400 million cricket bats! Alternatively, with the $10.7 billion valuation, one could acquire approximately 2,140 private jets, turning every franchise owner into a high-flying magnate—literally.

The IPL’s Legacy in Cricket’s Economy

The IPL has undeniably altered the economic landscape of cricket, transforming it into a multi-billion-dollar industry with far-reaching effects. From broadcasting rights to tourism, the league’s financial footprint is expansive, illustrating the potent synergy between sports and commerce. As the IPL continues to innovate and grow, its role as a catalyst in cricket’s economic evolution remains indisputable.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has experienced remarkable financial growth since its inception in 2008. While specific annual revenue data from 2008 to 2024 is limited, we can observe the league’s financial trajectory through available figures:

• 2008: The inaugural season’s broadcasting rights were sold for approximately `820 crore per year.

• 2014: The IPL’s brand value was estimated at $3.2 billion.

• 2021: The brand value increased to $4.7 billion.

• 2023: The IPL achieved a valuation of $10.7 billion, marking a 433 per cent growth since 2008.

• 2024: The brand value further rose to $12 billion.

This data illustrates the IPL’s substantial economic impact and its evolution into a major sports league globally.

(The author is a journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)