In a remarkable display of efficiency and force, the Gadchiroli police in Maharashtra successfully set up a fully functional new police station at Tumarkothi within a mere 24 hours. The operation, concluded on Friday, December 20, 2025, is a strategic move to address security vulnerabilities in the district's remote, Maoist-affected pockets.
Swift Deployment with Massive Manpower
The ambitious project saw the rapid mobilization of a substantial security and construction force. Nearly 1,000 elite C-60 commandos were deployed to secure the area during the build. They were supported by 21 Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS), newly recruited police personnel, approximately 500 Special Police Officers, and private contractors.
Superintendent of Police Neelotpal emphasized that this new facility is more than just a security outpost. He stated it would strengthen the region's safety framework and play a pivotal role in integrating local residents into the mainstream developmental process.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The Tumarkothi police station is situated in the Hedri sub-division, a location chosen for its strategic importance. It lies about 7 km from the existing Kothi police station and merely 2 km from the Chhattisgarh border. This positioning is expected to significantly improve policing efficacy and act as a catalyst for overall development in these isolated areas.
To achieve this rapid construction, a total force of around 1,050 personnel worked with heavy machinery, including JCBs, trailers, poclains, and trucks. The new station boasts modern amenities:
- WiFi connectivity
- Porta cabins for personnel
- A generator shed and RO water plant
- A mobile tower for communication
- Enhanced security structures like MAC walls and sandbag morchas
Part of a Broader Security Push
The Tumarkothi station marks the ninth such police station established since 2023 to fill security vacuums in Gadchiroli's remote villages. This district remains one of Maharashtra's most sensitive regions regarding Left-Wing Extremism, with many tribal communities historically isolated from basic infrastructure and services.
Officials highlighted a consistent pattern of outreach:
- A police assistance centre at Pengunda in December 2024.
- New police stations at Nelgunda in January 2025 and Kawande in March 2025.
- Another assistance centre at Fulnar camp in Gundurwahi in November 2025.
These measures, coupled with civic action programs, have begun to instill a greater sense of security among residents. The inauguration at Tumarkothi itself included a public outreach event where essentials like clothing, blankets, cooking utensils, school supplies, and sports equipment were distributed to locals.
Police officials are optimistic that improved security will unlock further development, potentially paving the way for road construction and the introduction of state transport bus services in the area. The event was graced by senior officials including Additional Director General of Police (Special Operations) Dr Chhering Dorje and Special Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sandeep Patil.
