Local tribals are against the appointment of a dreaded ex-Maoist as coordinator at Gondwana University

Bhupathi alias Abhay alias Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu is a former Maoist coordinator at the Village Council Capacity Building and Training Center at Gondwana University. File | Photo credit: Vinaya Deshpande Pandit

Local tribal groups from Gadchiroli opposed the appointment of dreaded former Maoist leader Bhupati to Gondwana University as coordinator. “Why are local tribals who worked for PESA not getting an opportunity? An upper caste man outside Maharashtra who exploited tribals and led them to death is being favored for a job that involves tribal empowerment. How can we trust him to want to spread awareness among tribals about PESA and nothing else? We want the government to have a chance to undo this real work of tribals, a disservice. local empowerment tribals, many of them are still languishing in jail for providing food to Naxals out of fear?” asked Bajirao Usendi of Gadchiroli.

Mr. Usendi is the leader of the Mahagramsabha, an informal body that plays an advisory role to the local gram sabhas in Gadchiroli. The Mahagramsabha members include gram sabha members from Naxal affected areas like Etapalli, Kurkheda, Kurki etc. A four-page note issued by the Mahagramsabha expressed strong objection to the university’s decision.

PESA stands for the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, a landmark law enacted by the Union government to provide self-governance to tribal communities living in Fifth Schedule areas.

Bhupati is a feared former Maoist whose surrender last year crippled Maoism in Maharashtra. He is currently under police surveillance in Gadchiroli and was recently appointed by the Gondwana University as a coordinator for spreading awareness among tribal communities about PESA, Forest Rights Act and other community rights. It is a temporary position.

The Mahagramsabha has issued a memorandum to Gondwana University, District Collector and Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, demanding recall of the appointment.

Temporary appointment

Meanwhile, the university said the appointment is for three months and that Bhupati will have only administrative responsibilities. “He has been appointed after due process. Mr. Venugopal will have no responsibility to lead the gramsabha or conduct training for anything,” said Gondwana University Vice-Chancellor Prashant Bokare.

However, the appointment notification issued by the university on August 29, which was perused by The Hindu , clearly stated that the project coordinator was appointed for the integrated gram sabha education programme.

“This appointment is against tribal interests. These very Naxals were hiding in the jungles, threatening local tribes and taking young girls. Their parents faced attacks and tribal sarpanches or local tribal workers whose ideas did not match with Naxals were brutally murdered. So many tribals died in Naxal attacks. Even today those who shelter their Naxals in jails for fear of hostels Mr. Usegund.

The Mahagramsabha demanded to know why the local tribals were not given such job opportunities for their empowerment.

Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh did not receive calls despite several attempts. Gadchiroli Collector Avishyant Panda confirmed that a Mahagramsabha delegation met him to hand over the memorandum. Gondwana University Vice-Chancellor Prashant Bokare said he was on leave due to a death in the family and was unable to speak to the media.

Published – 9 Sep 2026 23:11 IST