Police and Residents Light Up Binagunda in Historic Violence‑Free Diwali

For the first time in four decades, Binagunda in Gadchiroli district welcomed Diwali without the shadow of Maoist violence. Police Superintendent M. Ramesh, accompanied by officials from the Crime, Special, and Reserve Police Forces, visited the remote village police assistance centre to celebrate alongside locals. The superintendent recounted how, before the 2020s, the forest resonated with the fear of Naxalites and the sharp report of firearms. Today, the sounds of crackers replace those of guns, symbolising a transformative journey. The district's 70 police stations, sub‑stations and support centres coordinated simultaneous Diwali programs, handing out sweets, crackers and illuminated lamps. Former insurgents who laid down arms were also included, receiving the same festive gifts, reinforcing their acceptance into mainstream society. In partnership with the Police Dadarora Window, Project Krishi Samriddhi, Seva Mitra Mandal and the Ideal Mitra Mandal Pune, authorities delivered grain, cooking fuel and traditional Diwali delicacies to farmers in the most arid parts of the district. Superintendent Ramesh affirmed that the path to a Maoist‑free Gadchiroli hinges on continued security, social cohesion, citizen involvement and sustained development initiatives. The entire operation was executed under his leadership, with assistance from additional senior police officers, sub‑divisional heads, station in‑charges, and ground‑level police personnel.