🔴 By| Pravin Kadam
Satara | In a significant move to strengthen rural security through public participation, the Dahivadi Police have established Gram Suraksha Dal (Village Security Groups) across 54 villages, involving a total of 730 local youths.
The initiative has been undertaken following directions issued to police station in-charges across Satara district to establish Gram Suraksha Dal in villages with the objective of strengthening coordination between the police and citizens and preventing thefts, burglaries and other crimes.
The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Satara Superintendent of Police Nikhil Pingale and Additional Superintendent of Police Vaishali Kadukar.
🟡 730 Volunteers Selected From 54 Villages
Dahivadi Police Station Assistant Police Inspector Bhausaheb Gosavi coordinated the initiative with the help of village police patils. Volunteers willing to contribute voluntarily to village security were identified across all 54 villages, resulting in the formation of a 730-member Gram Suraksha Dal.
The establishment and guidance programme was held on August 29, 2026, at the meeting hall of Dahivadi College.
During the programme, SP Nikhil Pingale distributed T-shirts, sticks, whistles and battery-powered torches to members of the Gram Suraksha Dal.
Police patils from Shripalpan, Swaroopkhanwadi and Mardi, who were recognised for their notable contribution, were also felicitated with certificates of appreciation.
🟡 Night Patrolling and Crime Prevention
Addressing the members, SP Nikhil Pingale stressed that the security of a village cannot be the responsibility of the police alone and that active citizen participation can make the security mechanism stronger and more effective.
The Gram Suraksha Dal members will assist in night patrolling, keeping watch on suspicious movements, promptly communicating important information to the police and helping maintain a secure environment in villages.
The initiative is expected to support efforts to prevent house break-ins, thefts, cattle theft, agricultural produce theft and other local crimes.
🟡 Backed by Maharashtra Police’s Village Defence Mechanism
The initiative is also in line with the Maharashtra Police’s established Village Defence Party/Gram Suraksha Dal mechanism, which promotes community participation in rural policing.
According to the Maharashtra Police’s official information, village defence groups can assist with activities including night patrolling, prevention of property-related offences, gathering information and assisting during natural calamities.
The Maharashtra Police also states that Section 63 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 empowers the District Superintendent of Police to organise volunteer groups for the protection of persons and property.
🟡 “Village Security Is My Responsibility”
Emphasising the message “Village Security Is My Responsibility,” SP Nikhil Pingale said the initiative aims to develop a stronger partnership between citizens and the police.
He expressed confidence that the community-based security network would help prevent crimes and create a safer atmosphere across rural areas.
SP Pingale also appreciated the Dahivadi Police for establishing and operationalising the Gram Suraksha Dal across 54 villages within a short period, stating that the initiative built through public participation could become a model for community policing in Satara district.
