Cops get swift promotions in Chhattisgarh for anti-Maoist ops

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has granted out-of-turn promotions to 295 police personnel in recognition of acts of bravery in combating Maoists as the state pushes on towards its goal of eliminating Naxal insurgency by March 2026.

An order issued by DGP Arun Deo Gautam stated that police personnel who displayed exceptional courage during anti-Naxal operations across the region are being rewarded with accelerated promotions. Promotions have been given to lower and middle-rank personnel from the district police, Special Task Force (STF), and intelligence units.

According to the order, 206 constables have been promoted to head constables and 37 head constables to assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs). Fifteen ASIs are now SIs, and 16 SIs are inspectors. Three platoon commanders have been promoted to company commanders, six assistant platoon commanders have been elevated to platoon commanders, and three dozen personnel have been promoted to assistant platoon commanders.

Sharing the order copy on social media, deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma , who is also the home minister, said, "All the security personnel have displayed indomitable courage and bravery while fighting on the frontlines against Maoists to protect the Constitution and democracy. With the strength of soldiers, the future is definitely filled with development, happiness, peace and new enthusiasm in Bastar."

Later, Sharma told reporters, "The era of Red terror in Bastar is coming to an end, thanks to the unmatched bravery of the state's security forces."

As per Chhattisgarh police records, 425 Maoists have been killed in encounters, 1,444 arrested, and 1,406 have surrendered since last year.