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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.

Nagpur Violence: Woman Police Officer Assaulted as Clashes Escalate, Curfew Remains in Place

Updated: Mar 20

Amid ongoing curfew, an FIR reveals shocking details of a woman police officer being assaulted and misbehaved with during the unrest


Nagpur Violence

Nagpur: A recent First Information Report (FIR) filed at Ganeshpeth Police Station has exposed disturbing details of violence against police personnel during the recent clashes in Nagpur. According to the FIR, an accused individual inappropriately touched an on-duty woman police officer from the RCP squad and made obscene gestures towards multiple women officers.

The identity of the accused remains unconfirmed, and no official reports have stated whether he has been arrested yet, ANI reported.

Security Tightened Amid Curfew

Following the violent clashes on March 17, authorities have imposed a strict curfew in 11 police station areas. While most parts of Nagpur are gradually returning to normalcy, security forces continue to monitor sensitive regions to prevent further unrest.

What Led to the Violence?

The unrest erupted during a protest led by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The demonstration took a violent turn, resulting in large-scale disruptions. In response, the police enforced curfews, conducted route marches, and intensified security patrols to maintain order.

CM Fadnavis Calls Violence ‘Pre-Planned’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the Assembly, describing the Nagpur violence as a “pre-planned conspiracy.” He linked the unrest to the growing sentiments following the release of the movie Chhava, which has reignited discussions about Aurangzeb’s historical actions.

“The Chhava movie has intensified people’s anger against Aurangzeb, but it is essential to maintain peace in Maharashtra,” Fadnavis stated. He condemned the attacks on police personnel and assured strict action against those responsible.

Targeted Attacks on Police

Addressing the Assembly, Fadnavis revealed that misinformation played a crucial role in escalating the violence. “Rumors were spread about the desecration of religious items, misleading people and provoking unrest. This appears to be a well-planned attack,” he said.

According to the CM, around 80 individuals engaged in stone-pelting and directly targeted police officers. “One officer was attacked with an axe, while three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) sustained injuries,” he added.

Authorities continue to investigate the violence, reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements. Further arrests are expected as the probe progresses.

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