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Gadchiroli Police Arrest 8 Maoists in Major Anti-Naxal Operation

Gadchiroli Police arrested eight Maoists in a major anti-Naxal operation called 'Operation Antim Prahar' on May 16. The arrested individuals include two Divisional Committee Members and are linked to a February encounter where a C-60 commando died. Police recovered a large cache of weapons including SLR rifles, INSAS rifles, and explosives, along with over Rs 65 lakh in cash. Authorities claim this operation has eliminated active Maoist presence in the Aheri division.

Key Points: Gadchiroli Police Arrest 8 Maoists in Operation Antim Prahar

  • 8 Maoists arrested in Gadchiroli anti-Naxal operation
  • Two DVCMs among those held
  • Weapons, explosives, and Rs 65 lakh cash recovered
  • Operation Antim Prahar targets Maoist networks
  • Maharashtra government announced Rs 86 lakh reward for arrested Maoists
2 min read

Maharashtra: Gadchiroli Police crack down on Maoists under 'Operation Antim Prahar', 8 held

Gadchiroli Police arrest 8 Maoists linked to February encounter in 'Operation Antim Prahar'; recover weapons, explosives, and Rs 65 lakh cash.

"No active Maoist cadre now remains in the Aheri division following the latest crackdown - Gadchiroli Police"

Gadchiroli, May 16

In a major anti-Naxal operation, Gadchiroli Police have arrested eight Maoists allegedly linked to the February 7 encounter in the Phodewada forest area in which a C-60 commando lost his life.

According to a statement by Gadchiroli Police on Saturday, the operation, carried out under the banner of "Operation Antim Prahar", is being seen as a significant breakthrough in the district's anti-Maoist campaign.

According to police, the arrested Maoists include two Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs), two Platoon Members and four other cadres. Four Maoists were apprehended from Telangana, while the remaining were arrested from different forest areas of Gadchiroli district following intensive search operations and intelligence-based raids.

Police said the arrested Maoists were involved in attacks on security personnel and were allegedly planning fresh strikes on police camps in the forest region.

During the operation, police recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives, including SLR rifles, INSAS rifles, .303 rifles, barrel grenade launchers, detonators, live cartridges, walkie-talkie batteries, electric launchers and other Maoist material.

Cash amounting to over Rs 65 lakh, allegedly hidden for Maoist activities, was also seized.

Authorities stated that the Maharashtra government had announced rewards totalling Rs 86 lakh for the arrested Maoists.

Gadchiroli Police described the action as a "decisive blow" to Maoist activities in the district, claiming that no active Maoist cadre now remains in the Aheri division following the latest crackdown.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior police officials with the support of special anti-Naxal teams and C-60 commandos.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"Operation Antim Prahar" - the name itself gives confidence. But let's not forget the real battle is for the hearts and minds of local tribals. Military action alone won't solve the Naxal problem. Development and trust-building are equally important. Hope the police continue their good work while authorities also focus on education and jobs in these areas.
R
Ravi K
Finally some real results! These Maoists have been terrorising the region for decades. The recovery of SLR rifles and INSAS rifles shows how well-armed they were. The police deserve full appreciation. But I hope the arrested individuals get a fair trial and are given a chance to rehabilitate if they genuinely want to give up violence.
M
Michael C
Impressive intelligence-led operation. The coordination between states (Telangana and Maharashtra) is crucial in these counter-insurgency efforts. However, I'm curious about the long-term strategy. Arresting 8 people is a tactical win, but the ideology that fuels this movement won't disappear overnight. Police need sustained political and social support.
A
Ananya R
Glad to see the police taking bold steps. The loss of a C-60 commando in February was heartbreaking. But one nagging thought: are we addressing the root causes? Naxalism thrives on poverty, land rights issues, and lack of governance. I hope 'Operation Antim Prahar' is not just about force but also about winning trust through development initiatives in Gadchiroli.
J
James A
A significant breakthrough, indeed! The recovery of 65 lakh rupees in cash shows the scale of their funding. It's reassuring to see the police force effectively dismantling these networks. Though I'm not from India, it's clear that these operations require

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