Latest news with #Maoist-hit
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Orphaned By Maoists, They Vow To Dismantle Red Infra
Nagpur: In 2012, Maoists killed Suresh Alam, a former gram panchayat member in Nandigaon, Gadchiroli, suspecting him of being a police informer. His daughter, Naame Nagamani Alam, has now been directly appointed as a police constable. In 2005, a village warden Lalsu Pungati was lynched in a guerrilla kangaroo court in Nargunda, Gadchiroli. His son, Sainath Pungati, was directly appointed as a police constable. Both received their job letters from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on July 22. The ceremony marked a significant step in rehabilitation of families affected by Maoist atrocities. So far, 56 victims have been recruited into the police force in three years. Once helpless and cringing under fear after Maoists dragged their fathers out of their homes and slaughtered them in public, these orphans of insurgency have transformed their grief into resolve. Years passed, and the fear diminished as law enforcement turned the tables on the guerrillas. "We witnessed our father's killing. His lifeless body and my inconsolable mother are still fresh in our memory. We will serve the police with sincerity and combat Maoists," said an appointee. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Is What First-Class Living Really Looks Like Explore Undo The Maharashtra govt has now stepped in and is offering an opportunity to those who bore the brunt of Maoist kangaroo courts. Their children are now joining the commando force, determined to dismantle the regime that abruptly snatched their fathers' protective care. "The recruitments are based on special relaxations for Scheduled Tribe categories, requiring only physical attributes and a minimum qualification of Class 7, with no written examinations," SP Gadchiroli, Neelotpal, said. These appointments are part of a 2018 govt decision to rehabilitate Maoist-hit families by offering direct appointments to Group C and D posts in various departments. Fadnavis, who also virtually inaugurated new administrative buildings for police posts at Dechalipetha and Jimlagatta hamlets, stated the govt is keen to rehabilitate families who suffered in the hands of Maoists. The appointment of Naame Nagamani and Sainath by the CM himself symbolizes a powerful shift, stated IG State Anti-naxal operation cell, Sandip Patil. Once victims of Maoist terror, they are now empowered to protect their communities, vowing to end the menace that shattered their families.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Gadchiroli deluged, 40,000 villagers in Bhamragarh marooned
Nagpur: Torrential rains have isolated over 40,000 residents in Bhamragarh, a Maoist-hit taluka in Gadchiroli district, after the Parlakota river overflowed and submerged National Highway 130D and other key roads. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The district administration is now on high alert as the meteorological department has issued a 'red alert' for next 24 hours. As of Thursday noon, the region recorded 99.2mm of rainfall, with Tadgaon receiving up to 120mm even as a lightning strike killed a 58-year-old woman, who was working in the fields, and left another injured. "We anticipated this annual flood situation and had mitigation measures in place," said assistant collector and sub-divisional officer of Etapalli, Naman Goyal. Floodwaters have cut off several key routes, including Hemalkasa–Bhamragarh (NH-130D), Sironcha–Asarali–Jagdalpur (NH-63), Tadgaon–Damrancha, Aheri–Watara (SH-370), and the Halver–Kothi connecting road. With both Parlakota river and nearby nullahs like Bandiya and Watara overflowing, the old bridge in Bhamragarh is submerged and the new one remains under construction — leaving no viable crossing point. The isolation comes as the area struggles with Maoist-related challenges. District collector Avishyant Panda has mobilized State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, along with State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and CRPF units, to handle rescue operations. To address the crisis, assistant collector Goyal stated the district administration distributed over 300 essential rescue items, including life jackets, lifebuoys, ropes, stretchers, gumboots, umbrellas, torches, and rechargeable lights, prioritising remote villages for swift local response. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Twenty-six shelter homes have been set up, equipped with mats, tarpaulins, water tanks, first aid kits, bleaching powder, and daily essentials to support displaced residents," said Goyal. Special provisions, including dedicated shelters and rescue spaces, have been arranged for pregnant women to ensure access to timely medical care, Goyal told TOI. Traffic disruptions caused by waterlogging are being managed by static and mobile teams monitoring water levels and restricting vehicular movement. Motorboats have been deployed alongside rescue teams and Nagar Panchayat for emergency transport. Communication with isolated villages is being maintained via wireless and satellite phones, while dry ration kits and medical supplies are being coordinated. The administration is closely monitoring weather updates to mitigate further risks. Authorities have urged residents to avoid affected routes and are working relentlessly to restore connectivity and ensure safety. The combination of heavy rainfall, submerged infrastructure, and the region's volatile security situation has made this a complex crisis, with emergency teams on high alert to support the stranded population. Continuous water release of 3,024 cusecs from the Gosikhurd project on the Wainganga River has heightened flood risks. BOX BOX A devastating lightning strike in Manjegaon, Makepalli Mal, Chamorshi taluka claimed the life of a 52-year-old woman, Chandrakala Patar, while she was working in the fields around 5pm. In the same incident, Kashinath Vairagade, 58, sustained severe injuries and is being treated at the rural hospital in Gadchiroli.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rahul Gandhi acting on diktats of urban naxals: CM Fadnavis
Konsari (Gadchiroli): At an industrial launch in Gadchiroli, state CM sharpened his attack on Congress leader , accusing him of being heavily influenced by "urban naxals" and ultra-Left ideologues. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited's (LMEL) integrated steel plant in Konsari — a tribal belt once plagued by Maoist insurgency — Fadnavis charged Gandhi with enabling radical elements to stall the state's development. "Rahul Gandhi is surrounded by urban naxals. He acts on their diktats," Fadnavis told reporters. "Congress is opposing the Jan Suraksha Act, as per Gandhi's directives, and this opposition is being fuelled by people with radical ideologies." The Jan Suraksha Act has triggered protests from civil rights groups and opposition parties, who claim it may be misused to suppress dissent. Fadnavis, however, asserted that a thorough legislative review found the Act to be constitutionally sound. "The law was vetted clause by clause with opposition members on the review panel. This is propaganda by extreme leftists," he said. Fadnavis cautioned residents of Konsari against what he described as a "coordinated misinformation campaign" by urban naxals operating outside the state. "They are not locals. Their digital footprints lead to cities like Kolkata and Bengaluru. They are spreading lies that tribals are being displaced or forests are being axed. The truth is, there is a conspiracy to derail Gadchiroli's progress," he said. The CM alleged the social media campaign against the project was backed by foreign-funded groups. "Such attempts are part of a bigger plot to stall development using misinformation and fear. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We won't allow them to succeed," he said. The CM also spoke of a marked shift in Gadchiroli's profile — from a Maoist-hit zone to an emerging industrial district. "A few years ago, officers refused to take postings here. Today, they are seeking transfers to Gadchiroli. That is the transformation," he said.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rahul Gandhi under siege of ‘urban naxals', acts on their diktats: Fadnavis
Konsari (Gadchiroli): At a high-profile industrial launch in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis sharpened his attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi , accusing him of being heavily influenced by "urban naxals" and ultra-Left ideologues. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited's (LMEL) integrated steel plant in Konsari — a tribal belt once plagued by Maoist insurgency — Fadnavis charged Gandhi with enabling radical elements to stall the state's development. "Rahul Gandhi is surrounded by urban naxals. He acts on their diktats," Fadnavis told reporters. "Congress is opposing the Jan Suraksha Act, as per Gandhi's directives, and this opposition is being fuelled by people with radical ideologies." The Jan Suraksha Act has triggered protests from civil rights groups and opposition parties, who claim it may be misused to suppress dissent. Fadnavis, however, asserted that a thorough legislative review found the Act to be constitutionally sound. "The law was vetted clause by clause with opposition members on the review panel. There's nothing unconstitutional. This is propaganda by extreme leftists," he said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Speed up your Mac and free up storage with Space Lens MacPaw Read More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Earlier in his address to the people, Fadnavis cautioned residents of Konsari against what he described as a "coordinated misinformation campaign" by urban naxals operating outside the state. "They are not locals. Their digital footprints lead to cities like Kolkata and Bengaluru. They are spreading lies that tribals are being displaced or forests are being axed. The truth is, there is a conspiracy to derail Gadchiroli's progress," he said. The CM alleged the social media campaign against the project was backed by foreign-funded groups. "Such attempts are part of a bigger plot to stall development using misinformation and fear. We won't allow them to succeed," he said. Fadnavis added that as Gadchiroli continues on its developmental path, such campaigns would intensify. "The moment we lay foundations of new projects, social media posts emerge with claims on forest destruction or land grab. But these people are nowhere near Gadchiroli, they're operating from outside Maharashtra," he said. The chief minister also spoke of a marked shift in Gadchiroli's profile — from a Maoist-hit zone to an emerging industrial district. "A few years ago, officers refused to take postings here. Today, they are seeking transfers to Gadchiroli. That is the transformation," he said. Highlighting govt rehabilitation schemes, Fadnavis said many former Naxals had surrendered and joined the mainstream. "They've undergone training, taken jobs, and are building families. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's leadership, we are dismantling the guerrilla ecosystem. Only a few cadres remain, and I appeal to them to drop their weapons and return to the mainstream," he added. He reiterated that the goal of making Gadchiroli entirely Naxal-free was within reach. Fadnavis also took indirect aim at Maharashtra agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, who had earlier criticized the state's fiscal position and farm schemes. "I haven't heard his exact comments, but I believe no minister should speak irresponsibly about our economy," Fadnavis remarked. Defending the Mahayuti govt's decision to restructure the ₹1 crop insurance scheme, the CM said it had been reformed to better serve farmers. "We've ensured relief worth ₹5,000 crore to farmers. Of course, some vested interests are upset," he said. Fadnavis maintained that Maharashtra remains one of the most fiscally disciplined states in the country. "Despite challenges, our fiscal deficit is still under 3%, while many other states have gone past the 5% mark. We're managing very well," he said.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
Five forest dept teams in Saranda to rescue wounded jumbo
1 2 Jamshedpur: Forest officials on Thursday pressed five teams to attend to a six-year-old wounded elephant that was sighted in Maoist-hit Saranda forest division of West Singhbhum. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Aviroop Sinha said, "The elephant sustained an injury to its left leg and is experiencing difficulty walking. Teams are at the spot to rescue the elephant, examine the cause of the wound and administer treatment to it. A team from Odisha has also reached the area." A few locals claimed that the injury could be due to an IED blast. Refuting these claims, the DFO added, "Prima facie, there isn't any concrete evidence to conclude that the would is the result of an IED blast. The elephant got injured probably on June 28. It walked into our jurisdiction on Wednesday." Earlier, Saranda forest officials deployed a drone to locate the elephant. The elephant was spotted pouring water on the wound while standing in the waterlogged field in the Digha area of the forest, he added.
