Deep within the Dandakaranya forests, a figure shrouded in mystery has emerged: a doctor known only as Dr. Rafiq alias Mandip. This MBBS-qualified physician, originally from Punjab, abandoned a conventional medical career to join the ranks of the CPI (Maoist), dedicating years to providing medical aid in the remote and often inaccessible regions of Dandakaranya.
For years, details about Dr. Rafiq remained largely confined to security files, with little known about him outside official records. However, accounts from surrendered Maoists are now shedding light on his pivotal role within the Maoist organization and the local Adivasi communities.
According to these accounts, Dr. Rafiq was the only formally trained doctor to have joined the Maoist movement, making his medical expertise invaluable. He not only treated wounded Maoist cadres but also extended his services to the Adivasis, who often lack access to formal healthcare. His dedication earned him reverence among both groups, with many locals regarding him as a god.
Beyond providing direct medical care, Dr. Rafiq authored detailed medical manuals covering a range of critical topics, including bullet injuries, malaria, snake bites, and wartime trauma care. These manuals equipped Maoist cadres and local youth with essential knowledge for providing first aid and basic medical assistance in emergency situations. He also trained numerous locals in essential medical skills such as first aid and stitching sutures.
Intelligence sources confirm Dr. Rafiq's identity and indicate that he moved from Dandakaranya to Jharkhand in 2016 and remains at large. Despite his departure, his legacy endures in the form of the medical knowledge and skills he imparted to the local population.
The emergence of Dr. Rafiq's story highlights the complex dynamics of the Maoist insurgency in the Dandakaranya region. While the government intensifies its anti-Naxal operations, aiming to eliminate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026, figures like Dr. Rafiq demonstrate the deep-rooted connections between the Maoists and the local communities. The presence of medical professionals willing to serve in these conflict zones underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare access and development initiatives in these underserved areas.
In recent months, security forces have intensified combing operations in the Dandakaranya forest, a known Maoist stronghold. The government has strategically established security camps at regular intervals to pressure the Maoists to surrender. While these efforts have led to significant surrenders, the Maoist presence persists in certain pockets, particularly in the districts of Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur.
The tale of Dr. Rafiq serves as a reminder of the multifaceted challenges in addressing the Maoist issue, requiring a comprehensive approach that combines security measures with development initiatives and improved healthcare access for the marginalized communities in the Dandakaranya region.
