Maoist Hunters Turn ‘Malnutrition Spotters’ Among Kids In Abujmarh Gadchiroli police have shifted focus from counterinsurgency operations to addressing child malnutrition in the tribal district, deploying five constables from each police station as “malnutrition spotters” in the dense forests of Abujmarh, a region once known as a guerrilla stronghold. The initiative marks a significant pivot from military operations to community welfare, with officers now scanning for signs of stunted growth and acute malnutrition among children. This unique approach, described as unprecedented in central India’s hinterlands, aims to tackle the persistent issue of child undernutrition in areas where health services have been disrupted by decades of insurgency. The transition comes amid alarming statistics on malnutrition in Gadchiroli’s tribal pockets. Government data reveals that 35%-45% of children under five suffer from stunting, while acute malnutrition affects approximately 11% of the population. Severe cases account for 1.4%, and moderate cases for 9.8%, making the district the second worst-affected in Maharashtra. Police officials highlighted their strategic advantage in reaching remote areas, where health infrastructure has been eroded by prolonged conflict. By establishing forward operating bases and maintaining a presence in villages, officers can access regions that remain isolated from regular health services. The initiative involves training constables to identify signs of malnutrition, such as visible wasting, poor growth indicators, and other health markers. These officers are now actively engaging with tribal communities to raise awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and access to healthcare.#maharashtra #gadchiroli_police #abujmarh #maoist_insurgency #child_malnutrition
Gadchiroli Man Kills Father, Blames Tiger; Police Expose Lie Nagpur: A man initially believed to have been attacked by a tiger was revealed to have murdered his own father in Armori taluka of Gadchiroli, according to police. The incident, which sparked panic in the village over a potential wild animal attack, was uncovered as a case of foul play. Yogesh Dhakate, 35, allegedly used an axe to kill his father, Devaji, 65, during a nighttime cycle ride from their family-owned brick kiln. The body of Devaji was found near a railway tunnel on the outskirts of Palora village with severe stab wounds to the neck, back, and head, and blood pooling around the scene. His bicycle, white scarf, and glasses were also discovered nearby. Police quickly dismissed the initial claim of a tiger attack, citing the body’s position and the nature of the wounds. The flat lying of the body and cut marks on the back indicated a deliberate assault with a sharp weapon, not a wild animal attack. Further investigation confirmed Yogesh’s involvement, leading to his arrest. The police noted that a tiger attack would have qualified for compensation from the forest department under government norms, but the evidence contradicted that possibility. Devaji’s younger brother, Purushottam, 61, a welding shop owner, filed a complaint at the Armori police station on April 13. He stated that Yogesh and his mother had urgently called for his son Sachin to search for Devaji after receiving a call about his death. Purushottam later arrived at the railway tunnel, where he found police and onlookers examining the body. The police investigation highlighted the region’s proximity to protected forests and its history of leopard and tiger sightings. SP Neelotpal of Gadchiroli police confirmed that the evidence pointed to foul play.#gadchiroli_police #yogesh_dhakate #devaji_dhakate #purushottam_dhakate #armori_taluka
14 Surrendered Maoists Undergo Sterilisation Reversal Surgeries In a notable step toward rehabilitation, Gadchiroli Police conducted sterilisation reversal surgeries for 14 surrendered Maoists aged 23 to 40, aiming to aid their reintegration into mainstream society. The initiative, part of a broader effort to support former insurgents, has seen 50 beneficiaries to date, with 13 of the earlier 36 cases resulting in successful pregnancies. The procedures, carried out on March 21 at SEARCH Foundation’s Maa Danteshwari Hospital in Chatgaon, Dhanora tehsil, were supervised by medical experts and resulted in the discharge of all patients by March 24. The surgeries, which have a reported success rate of 40%, enable recipients to begin family planning within three months, though sexual activity is advised to resume only after 72 hours of recovery. Officials emphasized that the initiative addresses the social challenges faced by surrendered Maoists, who previously had limited personal choices due to enforced sterilization during their insurgency. The procedures were part of Project Sanjeevani, a collaborative effort between Gadchiroli Police and the SEARCH Foundation, led by Superintendent of Police Neelotpal. The medical team included renowned experts such as Padma Shri Dr Abhay Bang and Dr Rani Bang, along with district civil surgeon Dr Varsha Lahade and specialists from Lilavati Hospital and Gadchiroli District General Hospital. Project Sanjeevani extends beyond medical care, offering skill training, employment opportunities, housing support, and access to government welfare schemes.#gadchiroli_police #search_foundation #maa_danteshwari_hospital #project_sanjeevani #neelotpal
MSRTC Bus Enters Remote Gadchiroli Hamlet for First Time Since Independence A state-run bus service made its debut in the isolated hamlet of Tumarkothi, located in Gadchiroli district, marking a historic milestone 79 years after India’s independence. This tribal village, once a Maoist stronghold, has remained inaccessible to modern transportation and communication for decades. The arrival of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus on Tuesday symbolizes a major breakthrough in connectivity for the region, which was previously cut off by guerrilla activity and lack of infrastructure. Tumarkothi, situated deep within the forests approximately 30 kilometers from Bhamragad and nearly 100 kilometers from Aheri, was once a "forbidden zone" where Maoist insurgents operated with impunity. The area witnessed frequent attacks, including grenade explosions, ambushes, and IED threats. For years, residents—predominantly tribal communities—were forced to endure arduous foot journeys to reach nearby tehsil or district headquarters for essential services. The absence of reliable roads, mobile signals, and public transport left the hamlet isolated and vulnerable. The new bus service, launched in collaboration with Gadchiroli Police, is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity in the district. Recent years have seen significant developmental efforts, including the installation of 559 mobile phone towers, construction of 424 kilometers of roads, and 65 bridges. These projects have gradually transformed the region, enabling access to education, healthcare, and markets for previously cut-off communities. The MSRTC bus on the Tumarkothi-Kothi-Bhamragad-Aheri route was welcomed with traditional celebrations by villagers.#msrtc #gadchiroli_district #tumarkothi #gadchiroli_police #maharashtra_state_road_transport_corporation
