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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron...

Red flag to green steel

Ex-Maoists forge new destiny in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli: The rugged, forested terrain of Gadchiroli district, long synonymous with the violence and deep-rooted anti-establishment tenets of the ‘Red Ideology’, is now witnessing a remarkable social and industrial transformation. At the Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) plant in Konsari, once-feared Maoist operatives are shedding their past lives and embracing a new, respectable existence as skilled workers in a cutting-edge Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and pellet plant. This ‘green steel’ project, part of LMEL’s push for an integrated steel complex in the region, is functioning not just as an industrial unit but as a crucial pillar in the Maharashtra government’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. So far, LMEL, in coordination with the state government and the Gadchiroli Police, has provided employment and training to 68 surrendered Maoists and 14 members of families affected by Naxal violence, a total of 82 individuals, offering them a definitive pathway back to the mainstream. The Shift The transformation begins at the company’s dedicated Lloyds Skill Development and Training Centre at Konsari. Recognizing that many former cadres had limited formal education, the company implements a structured, skill-based rehabilitation model. They are trained in essential technical and operational skills required for plant administration, civil construction, and mechanical operations. For individuals like Govinda Atala, a former deputy commander, the change is palpable. “After surrendering, I got the right to live a new life,” Atala said. “I am very happy to get this job. I am now living my life on my own; there is no pressure on me now.” Suresh Hichame, who spent over a decade in the movement before surrendering in 2009 too echoed the sentiments. He realized the path of violence offered neither him nor his family any benefit. Moreover, his self-respecct was hurt. He knew several languages and carried out several crucial tasks for the banned organization remaining constantly under the shadow of death. Today, he works in the plant, receiving a steady monthly salary that enables him to care for his family—a basic dignity the ‘Red Ideology’ could never provide. The monthly salaries of the rehabilitated workers, typically ranging from Rs 13,000 to Rs 20,000, are revolutionary in a region long characterized by poverty and lack of opportunities. Trust, Stability The employment of former Maoists is a brave and calculated risk for LMEL, an industry that historically faced stiff opposition and even violence from the left wing extremist groups. LMEL’s management, however, sees it as an investment in inclusive growth and long-term stability for the district. The LMEL has emphasized the company’s commitment to training and facilitating career growth for the local populace, including the surrendered cadres. This commitment to local workforce upskilling is proving to be a highly effective counter-insurgency strategy, chipping away at the foundation of the Maoist movement: the exploitation of local grievances and lack of economic options. The reintegration effort extends beyond the factory floor. By providing stable incomes and a sense of purpose, LMEL helps the former rebels navigate the social transition. They are now homeowners, taxpayers, and active members of the community, replacing the identity of an outlaw with that of a respected employee. This social acceptance, coupled with economic independence, is the true measure of rehabilitation. The successful employment of cadres, some of whom were once high-ranking commanders, also sends a powerful message to those still active in the jungle: the path to a peaceful and prosperous life is open and tangible. It transforms the promise of government rehabilitation into a concrete reality. The plant, with its production of iron ore and steel, is physically transforming the region into an emerging industrial hub, and in doing so, it is symbolically forging the nation’s progress out of the ashes of extremism. The coordinated effort between private industry, the state government, and the Gadchiroli police is establishing a new environment of trust, stability, and economic progress, marking Gadchiroli’s transition from a Maoist hotbed to a model of inclusive and sustainable development.

It’s all in the DNA

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

It’s all in the DNA

Forensic DNA evidence, often hailed as the gold standard for identifying individuals, plays a crucial role in crime investigations and legal proceedings. It is instrumental in connecting suspects to crime scenes, exonerating the wrongly convicted, and establishing or excluding paternity. The reliability of forensic DNA evidence surpasses many other types of crime scene evidence, thanks to its high discrimination power, stability, and sensitivity. DNA tests are considered nearly infallible due to precise accuracy.

The pioneering work of Sir Alec John Jeffreys, a British geneticist, led to the development of genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling techniques. These advancements are now globally utilized in forensic science to aid police investigations, resolve paternity disputes, and address immigration issues.

In India, forensic DNA evidence was first recognised in the criminal justice system by the Madras High Court in 1985. The landmark case of Kunhiraman v. Manoj (1991), adjudicated by the Kerala High Court, marked a significant milestone. The court upheld the admissibility of DNA evidence under Section 45 of the Indian Evidence Act, which permits expert opinions in legal matters. This ruling established that DNA evidence, like the opinions of chemical analysts or fingerprint experts, could decisively determine paternity.

Several high-profile cases in India have since relied on DNA evidence for crucial breakthroughs:

Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (1991): DNA fingerprinting was used to identify both the victims and the attacker.

Naina Sahni Murder Case (1995): DNA evidence confirmed that the burnt remains were those of Naina Sahni, leading to the conviction of Sushil Sharma.

Beant Singh Assassination Case (1995): DNA fingerprinting revealed that one of the victims was Babbar Khalsa operative Dilawar Singh, confirming suspicions of a human bomb attack.

Priyadarshini Mattoo Case (1995): DNA evidence played a key role in the conviction of Santosh Kumar Singh, with the Delhi High Court sentencing him to death in 2006 based on DNA evidence found on the victim’s undergarments.

Shiney Ahuja Rape Case (2009): The actor was convicted after DNA samples from the victim matched his. Nirbhaya Gangrape Case (2012): DNA evidence, along with the victim’s dying declaration, led to the death sentences of all accused.

Hyderabad Blasts Case (2013): DNA samples from a house linked to the accused helped the National Investigation Agency secure convictions.

Mumbai Shakti Mill Gang Rape Case (2018): DNA evidence was crucial in identifying the victim through personal belongings, leading to the conviction of the accused. Interestingly, DNA profiling has even been utilized in anti-corruption cases. For instance, a bribe taker who swallowed tainted currency notes was forensically implicated when DNA profiling of saliva on the recovered notes confirmed his guilt.

In essence, DNA evidence serves as a biological GPS for the accused—a divinely notified Aadhaar card, ensuring justice is served. Just as in cricket where catches win matches, in crime, DNA matches win convictions.

(The writer is a retired IPS officer and a forensic expert. Views personal.)

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