Maharashtra: Day after CM Shinde's visit, youth murdered by Naxalites in Gadchiroli

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A 27-year-old man named Dinesh Pusu Gawde was allegedly murdered by suspected Naxalites on Thursday in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. The incident took place just a day after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's visit to the district. Gawde, a resident of Laheri village in Bhamragarh, was reportedly killed in Pengunda, where he had traveled on Wednesday to participate in a sports competition, according to a police official.

The assailants used a sharp weapon in the attack, and a note was found at the crime scene accusing the deceased of being a police informer, the official said. However, authorities have refuted this claim, asserting that Gawde was not associated with the police in any such capacity. A murder case has been registered at Dhodaraj police station, and the body has been sent to Bhamragarh for post-mortem examination.

On Wednesday, in the Naxal-prone region Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde brought a unique touch to the festival of lights, Deepotsav. Celebrating with the police force stationed in Pipli Burgi village, Shinde's presence not only boosted the morale of the jawans combating Naxalites but also forged a strong emotional connection with the tribal community.

During his visit, Chief Minister Shinde inaugurated three new buildings within the Pipli Burgi police station, a part of the Etapalli sub-division. The new administrative building of the police station, the police constable barrack, and the officers' guest house at Pipli Churni were officially launched with a Bhumi Pujan ceremony led by Shinde.

As part of the Bhau Beej festivities, lady police constables and local women performed 'Aukshan' for Chief Minister Shinde. The occasion also saw the distribution of essential commodities and other utility prizes to those present during an awareness campaign, all personally conducted by the chief minister.

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Chief Minister Shinde took the opportunity to review the performance of the Gadchiroli Police Force, extending congratulations for their achievements. The event was attended by key officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Gadchiroli range Sandeep Patil, District Magistrate Sanjay Meena, Superintendent of Police Nilotpal, Additional District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Officer of Aheri Vaibhav Waghmare, Parminder Singh of Central Reserve Battalion, additional Superintendent of Police (Campaign) Anuj Tare, sub-divisional police officer Sudarshan Rathod, and others. (With inputs from agencies)