20 aspiring cops from Maharashtra reach exam centre braving floods in Maoist-hit region

On Saturday, 20 candidates, including women, sent an SOS to Gadchiroli police after being stranded by overflowing rivers in Bhamragarh, near the Maoist stronghold of Abujmarh, close to the Chhattisgarh border, reported TOI. The candidates were 150 kilometers from Gadchiroli town, where they were supposed to take a police exam the next day.

Despite facing Maoist threats and severe flooding, the police acted quickly to help the 20 candidates by sending boats to move them to Etapalli, where they spent the night with food and shelter. The next morning, they were transported to Gadchiroli in time for their exam.

Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal personally oversaw the rescue, working with district administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). "We activated Bhamragarh police units in addition to the district administration's disaster management teams and SDRF. Rescue boats, equipped with life jackets, were arranged to help the candidates cross the flooded rivers," he told TOI.


The candidates faced significant challenges due to about 40 roads being closed by submerged bridges and overflowing rivers. The Parlakota river had cut off Bhamragarh, worsening after heavy rains, according to the TOI report.

In this dangerous region, the police made extraordinary efforts to assist the candidates who had already passed the physical test. They traveled from remote villages affected by Maoist activity, such as Kukametta and Hinbhatti, overcoming flooded rivers and streams.

The SP also ensured that three candidates from Kumbhi village crossed the flooded Kumbhi nullah and reached the exam center. Thanks to these efforts, the recruitment drive saw a 99% attendance rate.