The policemen have tin barracks as living quarters. “They do get very hot in summer, but despite funds we can’t get contractors to build permanent structures — nobody wants to risk coming here. Finally, we have got one and are constructing staff quarters.”

Jaravandi’s day begins with a roll call, with uniformed policemen doing the drill with their weapons. “We have all necessary equipment — SLRs, walkie-talkies, telephone, a wireless tower, abundant water, etc. And we now also have a TV,” Dede says.

A lone jeep stands in the police station’s forecourt. “We can’t use it. It’s risky with the area being strewn with old landmines. We have to walk or use a State Transport bus to go to Gadchiroli or Etapalli,” Dede says.

The daily routine of the cops includes going on Short Range Patrol (SRP), a 5-10 km walk in jungles. “We strictly follow the standard operating procedure (SOP). We undertake long range patrol (LRP) spending and camping inside the forest for 2-3 days, 3-4 times a months,” Dede says.

While the Additional Superintendent of Police and the DySP visit the police station once a month, the SP also pays surprise visits and calls once every 15 days on wireless. Dede has to attend a review meeting at Gadchiroli every month.

Yet, till four months ago, Jaravandi PS had little to show in terms of control over its area. Eleven of the villages had lapsed into Naxal control and were helping the bid to form a people’s government. The Naxals, led by North Gadchiroli Divisional Committee member Joganna, had weaned the villages away from administrative control and had involved them in setting up various committees that would run their government.

... contd.