The operation was conducted jointly by the Gadchiroli Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Around 800 personnel from 18 teams, including C-60 commandos, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) and special operations units, took part in the drive, an official statement said
According to police officials, the Maoist memorials had been built in remote and forested areas. Pic/Gadchiroli Police
The Gadchiroli Police in Maharashtra on Saturday said that it demolished 44 Maoist memorials in a large-scale special operation in the district that was carried out earlier this month.
The operation was conducted jointly by the Gadchiroli Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Around 800 personnel from 18 teams, including C-60 commandos, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) and special operations units, took part in the drive, an official statement 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.
The special operation
Search operations were conducted across several forest areas under different police divisions. The 44 demolished memorials were located as follows:
- 18 in Etapalli subdivision
- 17 in Hedri subdivision
- 5 in Bhamragad subdivision
- 2 in Jimalgatta subdivision
- 1 in Dhanora subdivision
- 1 in Pendhri subdivision
As part of the operation the BDDS teams first inspected the sites to ensure safety before the structures were brought down, the statement said.
Villages such as Pengunda, Kavande, Tumarkothi, Gardewada, Wangeturi and Gatta (Jambiya) were among the areas where the memorials were present and were removed, it said.
Continued vigilance
Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said that the Maoist movement in the district has nearly come to an end and that the police remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for residents.
He stated that the force stands firmly with the people of the district and urged citizens not to fall prey to Maoist propaganda in the district.
Senior officials, including Additional Superintendents of Police and Sub-Divisional Police Officers, supervised the special operation.
Police officials said that the action has strengthened public confidence in the administration and improved the sense of security in the entire district in state.
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