Gadchiroli. In the forest of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, where the sound of bullets used to echo due to fear of Maoists, now the echo of Diwali firecrackers can be heard. 'Maoism Free Diwali' was celebrated for the first time in Binagunda, which had faced Maoist violence and conflict for nearly 40 years. On this occasion, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh celebrated the festival of Diwali with local citizens and police personnel.
Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh said that after the establishment of the Advance Operating Base (AOP) at Binagunda in January 2026, through Operation 'Antim Prahar', success has been achieved in making the district completely Maoist free. He said that now the efforts of the police are to strengthen peace, security and development in the area and to create confidence in people by removing fear from their minds.
SP M. Ramesh said, “Earlier, there was darkness in this forest due to the fear of Naxals and the sound of bullets. Today, after 40 years of struggle, there is the sound of Diwali firecrackers. We are awakening light and faith in the minds of people by going door-to-door and lighting lamps. The entire credit for this goes to the sacrifice of C-60, CRPF, SRPF and district police personnel.”
Gadchiroli Police celebrated 'Maoism Free Diwali' in the entire district on Sunday. According to the police, Diwali was organized with local citizens in all 70 police stations, sub-stations and police assistance centers of the district. During this, sweets and crackers were distributed to the people.
Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh reached Binagunda Police Assistance Center located in a remote area and celebrated the festival with the local people and soldiers. At the same time, Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Karthik Madhira has given Gardewara, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Gokul Raj has given Pendhari and Additional Superintendent of Police Aheri Harshvardhan B.J. Celebrated Diwali with citizens in Jimalgatta.
During this time, sweets and firecrackers were also distributed to those who had surrendered leaving the path of Maoist violence. Diwali was celebrated with the surrendered Maoist members in the presence of senior police officers at Navjeevan Vasahat in Gadchiroli and traditional Diwali dishes were enjoyed with them.
On the occasion of Diwali, special social initiatives were also taken for the farmers of remote and drought affected areas of the district. With the joint collaboration of Gadchiroli Police, Police Dadalora Khirdi, Project Krishi Samridhi, Seva Mitra Mandal and Adarsh Mitra Mandal Pune, grains, food items and traditional Diwali dishes were distributed to the farmers.
Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh said that not only security and law and order, but also social harmony, public participation, mutual trust and development have an important role in making Gadchiroli free from Maoism. Such public welfare programs will continue in the future to strengthen the relationship of trust between the police and the citizens and make Gadchiroli a peaceful, safe and developed city. According to the police, this entire event was done under the instructions and guidance of the Superintendent of Police with the help of Additional Superintendents of Police, Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Station House Officers and police personnel.