Maoist memorials razed in Gadchiroli, trees planted as a symbol of peace

Gadchiroli police said Maoists built such memorials in remote areas to instil fear and assert dominance.

Written by Ankita Deshkar

Nagpur | October 1, 2025 10:13 PM IST

2 min read

In its place, Gadchiroli police planted tree saplings, sending a message of peace and security to residents. (Special Arrangement)

Security forces in Gadchiroli destroyed two Maoist memorials located in the dense forest areas of Mouza Katezari and Marma, under the jurisdiction of Katezari police station in Gadchiroli. The memorials, which were erected two to three years ago, were razed during a joint operation by Gadchiroli police and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel.

The structures, seen as symbols of Maoist violence and intimidation, were inspected first by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) before being demolished. In its place, Gadchiroli police planted tree saplings, sending a message of peace and security to residents.

Gadchiroli police said Maoists built such memorials in remote areas to instil fear and assert dominance. However, with intensified anti-Maoist operations in recent years, the fear among villagers is steadily declining. During the operation, police also appealed to locals who had gathered to witness the demolition, not to be misled by false promises made by the Maoists, and to cooperate with the police and work towards the village’s development.

The structures, seen as symbols of Maoist violence and intimidation, were inspected first by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) before being demolished. (Special Arrangement)

Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said, “The Gadchiroli police force is striving to free citizens from the terror of Maoists.” He also appealed that ‘such Maoist memorials have no place in society, and no one should engage in such illegal constructions.’

The operation was carried out under the supervision of SP Neelotpal IPS, Additional SPs M Ramesh (Operations), Satya Sai Kartik (Aheri), Gokul Raj G (Administration), and ASP Aniket Hirde (Dhanora). Police Sub-Inspector Ajay Bhosale, in charge of Katezari Police Station, along with PSI Kunal Bharati of SRPF Group 11, and teams from Katezari Police and SRPF, participated in the action.

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