The operation was conducted jointly by the Gadchiroli Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), officials said

According to police officials, the Maoist memorials had been built in remote and forested areas to create fear among local residents and to show the presence of Maoist groups in the district

The Gadchiroli Police said that the Maoist movement in the district has significantly weakened in recent years due to sustained anti-Maoist operations

The demolition of these structures is being seen as a step towards removing the last visible symbols of Maoist influence in the region

Villages such as Pengunda, Kavande, Tumarkothi, Gardewada, Wangeturi and Gatta (Jambiya) were among the areas where the memorials were present and were removed, officials said