Though a month has passed since the dreaded Maoist Athram Shobhan alias Charles got killed in an encounter in the neighbouring Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, the expected surrenders by his comrade extremists have not materialised in Adilabad.
There is no naxal movement in the district either since then, which constitutes whatever tangible impact that is seen after the June 19 encounter.
The police, nonetheless, have not relaxed their vigil on the long border that the eastern side of the district shares with Maharashtra’s naxal affected Gadchiroli district. The ferry points on Pranahita river in Koutala and Bejjur mandals are especially in focus as they are known for extremists crossing over into this district from the neighbouring State.
The two mandals form part of the Sirpur Assembly constituency which shot into prominence owing to the money spinning development activity being witnessed here. The activity is said to have attracted the attention of Maoists who are allegedly looking to extort money from contractors.
“We are also keeping an eye on some relatively unknown river crossing places like the Gundaipet ferry point in Koutala. The likelihood of large dalams crossing over from such places is remote though chances of two members of an action team carrying weapon cannot be ruled out,” observed Koutala Inspector of Police S. Acheshwara Rao as he delved into the subject.
Usually, it is in June and July that naxalite dalams cross over into this district as is evident from their movements reported in previous years. They apparently take advantage of the camouflage offered by increase in greenery during monsoon.
As the ferry points are located even as far as 15 to 20 km from mandal headquarters, the only way of keeping an eye on the activity on the shores of the rivers is through increased combing operations, which is being done by the police. The police, however, anticipate that their efforts will be strengthened owing to an improved informant network as a consequence of Janamythri, the mass contact programme launched by Superintendent of Police Vikram Jeet Duggal a few weeks ago.
“The programme has certainly had an impact on people in that their perception of police is changing fast. In any case, I appeal to the Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream,” Mr. Duggal stated.
