Latest news with #Naxal-hit
NDTV
21-07-2025
- NDTV
Maharashtra's Gadchiroli Police Trains Tribal Youth In AI, Web Development
Maharashtra: The Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute is revolutionising the lives of tribal youth in Naxal-affected villages by providing training in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), software development, and web development. Led by Superintendent of Police Neelotpal, this initiative has empowered over 210 youth to acquire formal skills and secure real-world opportunities. "The Gadchiroli Police Office was awarded certification by the state's Skill Development Department. With this, we started the Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute, offering structured courses in software and web development. In the past 1.5 years, over 210 youth from Naxal-hit villages have received formal training, cleared their exams, and are ready for real-world opportunities. Looking ahead, we've begun training them in Artificial Intelligence tools to ensure they're future-ready," said SP Neelotpal. Certified by the Maharashtra Government's Skill Development Department, the institute has become a beacon of hope for tribal youth, offering professional courses in Software Development, Web Development, and now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The institute has introduced AI literacy at the grassroots level, recognising the global demand for AI-powered solutions. Students learn AI tool usage, automation, data structuring, and content generation. For decades, Gadchiroli has struggled with poverty, limited access to education, and violence. Many of the region's youth had never touched a computer before. Today, inside this police-backed institute, these same youth are coding, building websites, and experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva AI, no-code automation platforms, and basic machine learning modules. What sets this program apart is its integration of AI literacy at the grassroots level. Recognising global demand for AI-powered solutions, the institute has introduced modules on AI tool usage, from automation and data structuring to content generation. Students are taught not just coding but also how to think digitally, solving real-life problems using technology. This police-led development model is showing promising results, changing the narrative in a region long plagued by extremism. Local communities now see the police as partners in development. The Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute is now being hailed as a replicable model for other conflict-affected and underserved regions in India. It shows how law enforcement, when paired with education and forward-thinking leadership, can sow the seeds of long-term peace and prosperity. As one trainer put it, "This is not just about skills -- it's about dignity, confidence, and hope. And hope is the strongest force we can build in Gadchiroli." Students are taught coding, web development, and digital problem-solving skills, enabling them to think digitally and tackle real-life challenges. Akshay Suresh Alam, a student from Dhanora, expresses gratitude for the police-led initiative, saying, "We are provided with training for web development, and all the computer-related knowledge right from scratch. Now, we are also being taught about AI." The institute's focus on AI and technology ensures that students are future-ready and equipped to contribute to the region's growth and prosperity. Akansha Bharat Vandke, a student from Armori taluka, appreciates the training, stating, "I was completely unaware of how to use technology. However, now, after being trained for programming, software, and web development, we use it to our advantage." This initiative demonstrates the potential of law enforcement and education combined to drive positive change and development in conflict-affected regions.
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Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Sub-Zonal Naxal commander gunned down in Jharkhand during encounter
The Security forces in a joint operation neutralised a Sub-Zonal Naxal Commander in an early morning encounter in the forest area of Bokaro district in Jharkhand, officials said on Wednesday. According to officials, the operation, which began around 6:30 AM, was carried out jointly by the 209 CoBRA unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police. The slain Naxal, who was killed during an exchange of fire, has been identified as Kunwar Manjhi, also known by his aliases Sahdeo Manjhi and Sade. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the site following the exchange of fire. Meanwhile, CRPF Constable Praneswar Koch of the 209 CoBRA unit sustained a bullet injury during the operation. He has been admitted to the hospital, officials said. The operation is underway. Amid ongoing action against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday claimed that Naxalism is taking its last breath. Speaking to reporters after children from Naxal-hit Sukma district visited the Chhattisgarh Assembly, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said, "Naxalism is taking its last breaths, our security forces have been fighting Naxalites with strength for the past one and a half years, and we are also benefiting from the double-engine government." He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resolve to end Naxalism by 2026. "PM Modi and the Union Home Minister have resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026, and their dream will also come true. Our forces are fighting with great strength," he told reporters. Twenty-three Naxalites, carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 1.18 crore, surrendered in Sukma district on Saturday. The group comprises 14 men and nine women, all identified as hardcore Naxalites, said officials. Sukma SP Kiran Chauhan said, "23 Naxalites have surrendered. All are hardcore Naxalites. They will be provided with facilities as per the government policy. On this occasion, I appeal to all Naxalites to lay down their arms and join the mainstream." Earlier on July 8, the IED bomb planted by the Maoists caused injuries to two CRPF jawans in Chhattisgarh's Timapur-Murdanda road, under the Awapalli police station area.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chhattisgarh: Additional SP killed in IED bast days before daughter's birthday
Raipur : Akash Rao Girepunje, additional superintendent of police Akash Rao Girepunje was killed in a Naxal-planted IED blast in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday, just two days before his daughter's sixth birthday. The 42-year-old officer, posted in the insurgency-hit Konta division of Sukma since March 2024, was critically injured when a pressure-IED exploded during a patrol in the Konta area. He succumbed at a hospital shortly after. Two other police personnel were also injured in the explosion. Girepunje, a native of Raipur, had planned to visit his in-laws' house in Bhandara, Maharashtra, for his daughter's birthday on June 11. 'He had promised his daughter he would be there, no matter what,' said his younger brother, Adarsh Girepunje. 'We never imagined that his recent visit home on May 20 for his son's birthday would be our last meeting.' Adarsh, an MBBS graduate preparing for post-graduation, recalled receiving a call at around 9:30 AM on Monday from his brother's security staff informing him about the blast. 'At first, I was told he was injured. But just half an hour later, I got the devastating news that he was no more,' he said. Girepunje is survived by his wife Sneha, their two children—a 7-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter—and his elderly parents. His father, Govind Rao Girepunje, runs a small garage in Raipur. Akash was the second among five siblings. A commerce graduate from a government college in 2004, Girepunje had aspired to become a government officer since childhood. He prepared for the UPSC in Delhi, clearing the preliminary exam four times but failing to crack the mains. He cleared the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission exam in 2008 and was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police in 2013. He also cleared public service exams in multiple states and briefly worked in a nationalised bank before joining the police. 'Bhaiya had a passion for teaching and mentoring UPSC aspirants. He inspired two of our cousins to take up civil services preparation,' Adarsh said. Known for his fearless service in Naxal-hit regions like Mohla-Manpur and Konta, Girepunje was instrumental in establishing new police camps and strengthening security infrastructure. 'Fighting Naxalites was not just a job for him, it was a mission. He never flinched in the face of danger,' Adarsh added. Girepunje's mortal remains were brought to Raipur and taken to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital for post-mortem. A large crowd gathered at his Kushalpur residence to pay their final respects. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who postponed his scheduled visit to Rajnandgaon, visited Girepunje's family and paid tributes. 'He showed unmatched courage and dedication to his duty. His sacrifice will not go in vain,' the CM said in an official statement. The CM later chaired a high-level meeting to review anti-Naxal operations and also visited a private hospital to check on the condition of the two injured officers. He was accompanied by senior state officials including Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manoj Pingua, DGP Arun Dev Gautam, and ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Vivekanand Sinha.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Curb cybercrime in N Chotanagpur: IG
1 2 Bokaro: The inspector general (IG) of North Chotanagpur zone, Kranti Kumar, on Thursday directed the police officials from six districts — Bokaro, Dhanbad, Hazaribag, Chatra, Koderma, and Ramgarh — to formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle organised crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking , and Maoist activities. IG Kumar said, "Police personnel will receive advanced hi-tech training to deal with complex digital fraud and cyber frauds." He stressed upon the need for a strong surveillance mechanism against drug mafias and human trafficking networks and crack downs. "Intensify combing and intelligence operations to restore civilians' confidence in the forces and ensure people's safety in Naxal-hit areas," he urged the personnel, emphasising the importance of people friendly policing and community trust.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Chatra village bridge project gets stuck in bureaucratic limbo
Chatra: The 2,000 residents of Potam village under Hedum panchayat in remote Naxal-hit Lawalong block of Chatra district would have to face transportation hurdles again during the rainy season as their demand for a bridge continues to be ignored. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Govt teams visited the place several times to measure the construction site, but the work never began. Area residents said that they have been awaiting a bridge over the Thekhi river since independence. Despite survey teams's visit to the site multiple times, around 300 households, including students and workers, are forced to walk 1.5 km daily to access the main road. "Schoolchildren are forced to navigate a treacherous 1.5 km path through bushes and cross a 300-ft stretch of the rain-fed Thekhi river to reach their school transport," said a villager. Area resident Somnath Yadav, who has been pursuing bridge construction since 2010, highlighted that 78 years post-Independence, the village lacks basic amenities. "Medical emergencies are particularly challenging, requiring a 1.5 km walk to reach healthcare facilities. During monsoons, residents must take a 10 km detour via Jawari village. Despite repeated surveys and measurements, no concrete action has materialised," he said. Students Amit Kumar (Std-3) and Bablu Kumar(Std-6) expressed their daily struggle of walking a kilometre to school, emphasising their desire for a bridge. Hedum panchayat mukhiya Santosh Ram revealed that bridge proposals were approved in gram sabha meetings during 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years with requests for DMFT funding sent to district offices. "However, these proposals remain unprocessed," he said. Lawalong block development officer (BDO) Bipin Bharti said, "I will apprise the district administration to look into the matter and request the officials to take necessary steps."
