19 December,2025 08:26 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondent
The police station was inaugurated in the presence of senior officers and local villagers. PIC/Gadchiroli Police
In a significant step towards strengthening security and accelerating development in Maoist-sensitive areas, the Gadchiroli Police on Thursday established a new police station at Tumarkothi under the Hedri sub-division.
The new police station was set up within 24 hours with the deployment of a large security force comprising around 1,000 C-60 commandos, 21 Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams, newly recruited police personnel, 500 special police officers and private contractors.
The inauguration of the Tumarkothi Police Station took place in the presence of Additional Director General of Police (Special Operations) Dr Chhering Dorje, Special Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sandeep Patil, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Gadchiroli Range) Ankit Goyal, Deputy Inspector General (Operations) of CRPF Ajay Kumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police (Gadchiroli) Neelotpal, Commandant of CRPF's 191 Battalion Satya Prakash, senior officers, and local villagers.
Speaking on the occasion, Neelotpal said the establishment of the new police station would prove to be a milestone in enhancing security in the region and bringing local residents into the mainstream of development. He said it was the ninth new police station set up since 2023 as part of a chain to reduce security gaps in remote and extremely remote areas of the district.
Gadchiroli, known for its difficult terrain and Maoist activity, has several tribal villages that remain far removed from basic development. The Tumarkothi police station, located about 7 km from Kothi police station and just 2 km from the Chhattisgarh border, is expected to significantly improve security and support all-round development in the region.
As part of efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, the Gadchiroli Police have, over the past year, established a police assistance centre at Pengunda on December 11, 2024, a new police station at Nelgunda on January 30, 2025, another police station at Kavande on March 9, 2025, and a police assistance centre at Phulnar Camp Gunturwahi on November 23, 2025.
The Tumarkothi Police Station was constructed with the deployment of approximately 1,050 personnel, supported by heavy machinery including four JCBs, seven trailers, two poclains and 25 trucks. Facilities at the police station include Wi-Fi connectivity, 12 porta cabins, a generator shed, an RO drinking water plant, a mobile tower, toilet facilities, security walls, bunkers and sandbag posts.
For security, the police station has been staffed with two officers and 52 personnel from the Gadchiroli Police, two platoons of SRPF Group 12 (Hingoli E Company), one Assistant Commandant and 79 personnel from CRPF's 191 Battalion, and eight special operations teams comprising 200 commandos.
During the establishment programme, a public outreach event was also organised, during which essential items were distributed to local residents. Women were given sarees and footwear, men received blankets and tools, while youth and children were provided with clothing, school supplies, sports equipment and other necessities.
Police officers said improved security would pave the way for future road construction and the introduction of state transport bus services in the area. Local residents expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the police station and thanked the police administration.
Senior officers present at the event included Additional SP (Operations) M Ramesh, Additional SP (Administration) Gokul Raj, CRPF Deputy Commandant Chanchal Parwana, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Dhanora) Aniket Hirde, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Bhamragad) Amar Mohite, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Hedri Yogesh Ranjankar, and the newly appointed officer-in-charge of Tumarkothi police station, PSI Gorkhanath Surase, along with other officers and personnel.
