01 May,2026 02:00 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondent
A total of 425 officers and personnel were conferred the newly instituted CI-60 Service Medal — the first time this honour has been announced. PIC/Gadchiroli Police
Maharashtra Day was celebrated with great fervour at the Police Superintendent Office in Gadchiroli on Friday, May 1. Police Superintendent M Ramesh hoisted the national flag at 6.45 am.
The programme began with floral tributes at the police martyrs' memorial, paying homage to all fallen personnel. Special tributes were offered to 214 police martyrs who lost their lives in anti-Maoist operations.
On this occasion, 145 officers and personnel from Gadchiroli Police were awarded the Maharashtra Police Director General's Commendation Medal for their exemplary performance in 2025. Fifteen recipients received the medals and certificates from Ramesh.
Additionally, 425 officers and personnel were conferred the newly instituted CI-60 Service Medal by the Maharashtra government - the first time this honour has been announced. Fifteen selected recipients were felicitated with certificates and medals by the Superintendent.
Highlighting the achievements of the CI-60 commandos, officials noted that Maoist activities in Gadchiroli district have been almost completely eliminated. The CI-60 force, which began in 1990 with just 60 personnel, has now expanded significantly. Currently, 29 teams (15 in Gadchiroli and 14 in Pranhita) are operational. The commandos have neutralised 353 Maoists, arrested 424, and facilitated the surrender of 814 Maoists. Their courageous actions have played a pivotal role in making Gadchiroli Maoist-free, achieving the target set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to end Maoism by March 31, 2026.
The awards were presented in the presence of senior officers, including Additional SPs and other officials. A march-past was also performed by the Gadchiroli Police.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Finance, Planning, Agriculture, Relief & Rehabilitation, Law & Justice, and Labour, and Guardian Minister for Gadchiroli district, Ashish Jaiswal, along with District Collector Avishyant Panda, and other dignitaries.
Ramesh, along with Additional SPs Kartik Madhira and Gokul Raj, Assistant SP Aniket Hirde, and other officers, were present.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma hoisted the national tricolour at the official state ceremony held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
The Governor inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute from marching contingents. Addressing the gathering, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said that Maharashtra continues to play a leading role across all sectors. He noted that the state is attracting record levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.
He added that major infrastructure projects such as metro networks, ports, and expressways will provide seamless connectivity to citizens. To support farmers, the state government has distributed crop loans and also extended assistance for rabi crops.
In his address, the Governor said that India is steadily moving towards the centenary year of independence in 2047. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is progressing towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, while Maharashtra aims to become a USD 1 trillion economy.
(With ANI inputs)
