State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that the security forces have successfully demolished the last 44 monuments erected as symbols of terror by Maoists in Gadchiroli district. Fadnavis said, “Demolition of 44 Maoist monuments marks a decisive step towards eradicating left-wing extremism from Gadchiroli. This action reflects the Maharashtra Government’s unwavering commitment to restore peace, strengthen security and accelerate development in the region.” He summarised the action taken by the security forces as “breaking the symbols of Naxalism, building the foundations of peace and progress”. “I heartily congratulate the courageous police force of Gadchiroli for this.

 

Their action is not limited to the removal of physical structures, but is a decisive victory for democracy over the mentality of fear that has been instilled in the minds of the people for many years,” the Chief Minister added. According to Government sources, the monuments were erected by Naxalites in remote and very remote areas, with the aim of creating terror among local citizens and showing their presence. However, the consistent anti-Naxal operations has wrecked the back if Naxalism in Gadchiroli. Security operations, surrender policy, development projects and the trust of the local people have increased, say police. In this context, a planned search and inspection operation was carried out by about 800 personnel in a joint operation of Gadchiroli Police Force, C-60 Commandos, Central Reserve Police Force and Special Squads.

 

After the inspection of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad team, 44 monuments in various forest areas of Gadchiroli were destroyed. The anti-Naxal operation in Etapalli, Hedri, Bhamragad, Jimlagatta, Dhanora and Pendhari sub-divisions was carried out in particularly sensitive areas. It may be mentioned here that, at the recently held Advantage Vidarbha conference, the Chief Minister had emphasised that Gadchiroli district was on the verge of becoming 100 per cent Maoist-free, aligning with the Union Home Ministry’s national deadline of March 2026. Following the historic surrender of high-ranking Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao (Bhupati) and 60 others in October 2025, Fadnavis described the event as the “beginning of the end” for Naxal movement in Maharashtra.