Police assistance centre set up in 24 hours to curb Maoist influence in remote Bhamragad area of Gadchiroli

Located just 7 kilometres from the Chhattisgarh border and 20 kilometres from Bhamragad, the new centre is strategically positioned to plug security gaps in a region considered highly sensitive.

The Fulnar PAC is the eighth such facility established since 2023, following similar strategic outposts in Pengunda, Nelgunda, and Kavande. State government approval for the centre was granted recently on October 28.

The Phulnar PAC is the eighth such facility established since 2023, following similar strategic outposts in Pengunda, Nelgunda, and Kavande. State government approval for the centre was granted recently on October 28.

‘Will reduce the security vacuum’
Talking to The Indian Express, Neelotpal, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, said, “This is the first forward operating base (FOB) opened in Abujhmaad and will reduce the security vacuum of almost 300 sq km. Maoists dominated this entire region till recent times. The FOB will facilitate all-around development, including roads, bridges, and mobile towers, which were held up and will plug the easy transit of Maoists on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, which used to happen till the recent past.”

The SP added that the police erected the FOB by making a n unpaced road of 10 km before reaching Fulnar. Neelotpal said, “Most importantly, continuous monitoring after the opening of this outpost will thwart any attempts by Maoists to revive Maoism in the nearby areas in the future if they try to do so.”

Despite the speedy construction, the new centre is fully equipped with modern amenities and heavy fortifications. Facilities include WiFi connectivity, 12 porta cabins, a generator shed, and an RO water purification plant. It also has a mobile tower and toilet sheds. To ensure the post’s security, the perimeter has been fortified with walls, bulletproof barriers, and sandbag bunkers.

Three officers and 50 personnel of the Gadchiroli police, two platoons of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) Group 14, Sambhajinagar C Company, as well as one Assistant Commandant and 62 officers/personnel of CRPF 37 Battalion F Company, and eight teams (200 commandos) of the Special Operations Unit have been deployed for security.

Officials highlighted that the new security cover will facilitate the completion of stalled development projects, including mobile towers at Mouza Phulnar and Koparshi.

A ‘Jan-Jagran Melava’ (public awareness gathering) was held alongside the inauguration, where essential items were distributed to residents. Women received sarees and footwear, while men were given blankets and agricultural tools. Students and youth were provided with educational materials and sports kits.

Officials highlighted that the new security cover will facilitate the completion of stalled development projects, including mobile towers at Mouza Fulnar and Koparshi. It is also expected to pave the way for new road construction and the resumption of state transport bus services.

The inauguration was attended by top security officials, including SP Neelotpal; Dr Chhering Dorje, Additional Director General of Police (Special Ops); Ajay Kumar Sharma, DIG (Ops), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF); and Dao Injirkan Kindo, Commandant, 37 Battallion, CRPF; alongside Zilla Parishad CEO Suhas Gade, among others.