On August 7, 2009, the Central Zone was established in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, with its primary mission being the coordination of operational efforts by the CRPF to combat Left Wing Extremism in Central India, particularly in Chhattisgarh and the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. In these regions, CRPF has been tasked with countering the significant threats posed by Naxalites.
The Central Zone's headquarters were later established in Kolkata on July 23, 2010. This Zone comprises 8 Sectors, 24 Ranges, 19 Group Centres, 91 administrative battalions, 98 operational battalions, 9 Composite Hospitals, 2 Central Workshops, 1 Armament Workshops, 2 Central Training Centres, 3 Recruit Training Centres, and 1 Central Institute of Advanced Training.
The courageous and dedicated men and officers of CRPF have worked relentlessly in the most remote and challenging terrains, achieving significant successes in containing the threats posed by anti-national elements. They have made numerous supreme sacrifices in the line of duty.
Additionally, CRPF plays a crucial role in providing security to three highly sensitive shrines in India: the Krishna Janam Bhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid Complex in Mathura, the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid Complex in Ayodhya, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
