Maharashtra Govt Introduces ‘C-60 Service Medal’ to Recognize Commando Valor Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has approved the creation of the ‘C-60 Service Medal’ to honor personnel serving in the Special Operations Squad (C-60), a unit established in 1990 to combat Maoist insurgency. The medal will be awarded starting from the 2026-27 fiscal year, with recipients’ names announced on the eve of Maharashtra Day, May 1. The initiative aims to recognize the bravery and dedication of commandos who operate in challenging terrains across the state. The C-60 squad was formed on December 1, 1990, with an initial strength of 60 personnel. Over the decades, it has expanded to 29 squads in Gadchiroli district (each with 28 members) and nine squads in Gondia district (each with 20 members). These highly trained commandos conduct operations in dense forests, mountainous regions, rivers, and streams, often under extreme weather conditions. Their roles include area domination, long-range and short-range patrolling, and intelligence-based missions to neutralize armed threats. The unit has a distinguished record of valor, having earned 320 Police Gallantry Medals, six President’s Gallantry Medals, eight Meritorious Service Medals, and two Shaurya Chakras. These accolades reflect the squad’s critical role in maintaining security in regions plagued by Maoist activities. The new C-60 Service Medal follows the pattern of special service awards given to Force One and Quick Response Team members, emphasizing recognition for exceptional service. Eligibility for the medal requires candidates to have served at least two consecutive years as officers or three years as Amaldars (assistant constables) in the squad, along with an outstanding performance record over the past five years.#maharashtra_govt #gadchiroli_district #gondia_district #c_60_service_medal #special_operations_squad
Crackdown on Illegal Mining Nets Rs55.39cr Penalty: Bidari Nagpur: A year-long crackdown on illegal minor mineral extraction and transportation in the Nagpur division has resulted in 587 criminal cases, 158 arrests, and penalties totaling Rs55.39 crore, authorities announced. Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari highlighted the scale of violations across districts, noting that actions were taken in 2,478 cases through district-level flying squads and check posts between April 2025 and March 31, 2026. Of the total penalties imposed, Rs20.15 crore has been recovered so far. Bidari emphasized that strict measures were initiated against illegal excavation and transport of minor minerals via special drives, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts over the past year. Authorities seized 1,512 vehicles and 10 pieces of machinery linked to illegal mining activities. Most violations involved sand, murum, and soil extraction, underscoring persistent pressure on natural resources in the region. District-wise data revealed that Bhandara reported the highest number of cases at 672, including 637 related to sand mining alone. Of these, 363 offences led to penalties of about Rs5 crore, with Rs2.82 crore recovered and 104 arrests made. Gondia recorded 641 cases, with penalties of Rs3.58 crore, of which Rs3.29 crore has been recovered. In Nagpur district, 261 cases resulted in penalties of Rs4.32 crore, with recoveries reaching Rs3.79 crore. Wardha reported 239 cases with penalties of Rs2.75 crore, of which Rs2.11 crore has been recovered. Chandrapur saw 431 offences, attracting penalties of Rs6.44 crore, with Rs5.41 crore recovered. Gadchiroli recorded 234 cases, with penalties of Rs3.24 crore and recoveries of Rs2.60 crore.#chandrapur_district #bhandara_district #nagpur_division #vijayalakshmi_bidari #gondia_district
