Gadchiroli Police Personnel Honored with Gallantry Medals Ahead of Republic Day 2026
In a significant recognition of bravery and operational excellence, the Gadchiroli police have been bestowed with gallantry medals ahead of Republic Day 2026. A total of 31 personnel, predominantly comprising elite C-60 commandos, have been honored for their pivotal role in the historic 2018 Kasnasur-Boriya encounter. This operation resulted in the neutralization of 34 Maoists, standing as Maharashtra's largest single anti-insurgency success to date.
National Recognition and Ranking
According to the government list released on Sunday, the Gadchiroli police rank second in the country this year for gallantry medals, trailing only the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which received 34 medals for ongoing counter-militancy operations. The Kasnasur-Boriya action remained the most successful operation by any security agency until last year, when Chhattisgarh Police recovered the bodies of 39 Maoists following an encounter.
Notable Medal Recipients and Their Achievements
Among the distinguished awardees is Wasudeo Madavi, one of Gadchiroli's most accomplished encounter specialists. Recently promoted to assistant police inspector on an accelerated basis for his exemplary efforts, Madavi has been credited with an impressive 101 successful encounters and has received multiple gallantry awards throughout his career.
Constable Mohan Usendi also earned recognition, receiving the medal for the second time due to his significant contributions in combating left-wing extremism. The honors were awarded posthumously to constables Sudhakar Bitoji Veladi and Kare Irpa Atram, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Delayed Recognition and Operational Details
Procedural and legal issues linking the Boriya-Kasnasur and Nainar actions kept the commandos waiting nearly seven years for formal recognition. The medals honor the April 2018 operation at Kasnasur-Boriya, located on the Indravati riverbank along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. This area had hosted a major Maoist camp in terrain once considered nearly inaccessible.
On the night of April 26, 2018, C-60 commandos launched a meticulously planned assault based on specific intelligence. At approximately 3:30 AM, they struck with precision, neutralizing 34 Maoists, including several senior leaders, without incurring any police casualties.
Turning Point in Anti-Extremism Efforts
The Kasnasur-Boriya operation marked a decisive turning point in the battle against Left-wing extremism in eastern Maharashtra. It demonstrated the dramatic strengthening of the Gadchiroli police's intelligence network, enabling them to penetrate deep into previously untouchable Maoist strongholds.
The riverbank strike delivered the first major jolt to Naxal operations in the region, initiating a steady decline in their influence. Since then, the momentum has only accelerated. Over the last two years, 10 new police outposts have been established around Abujmarh, the erstwhile Maoist headquarters in neighboring Chhattisgarh, further tightening pressure on the insurgents.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Official records now indicate that only nine Maoists remain active in Gadchiroli. With the national deadline of March 31 approaching for Maoists to surrender or face intensified action, authorities are optimistic that Gadchiroli will soon be declared free of the red menace.
Promotions and Additional Honors
In a related development, the Gadchiroli police announced promotions for 394 personnel on Sunday. This includes accelerated promotions for 10 serving officers and posthumous elevations for 14 martyred ones. Superintendent of Police Neelotpal and senior officers felicitated the awardees, praising their contributions to regional peace.
This recent recognition brings Gadchiroli's tally in recent years to three Shaurya Chakras and over 200 police gallantry medals, solidifying its role as a frontline defender against Maoism in India.
