A key Maoist leader was killed in a firefight in the forests of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, a blow that security forces say marks a major victory in the country’s fight against left‑wing insurgents.
Police and central paramilitary troops from Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh surrounded a group of Maoists in the Maredumilli forest, near the tri‑state border. When the insurgents opened fire, the government forces returned fire and the encounter resulted in the deaths of six Maoists, including Madvi Hidma, a senior commander on the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee.
Hidma, 43, was the most‑wanted insurgent in India. He ran Battalion 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the group believed to be behind some of the most deadly attacks on security forces. A reward of ₹50 lakh bountied his capture. Hidma was linked to the 2010 Dantewada massacre that killed 76 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers, as well as other major attacks in Chhattisgarh in 2013 and 2021.
The encounter took place at a forested area close to the junction of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, an area that was once a hotbed for Maoist activity. Security forces say the hit on Hidma will make it harder for the banned CPI (Maoist) group to regroup in the region.
While officials have not yet confirmed the death, police reports suggest that the group was surrounded and asked to surrender. The Maoists reportedly fired first, forcing the security personnel to open fire in self‑defence.
The killing of Madvi Hidma follows a series of successful operations by the Indian military and paramilitary in Chhattisgarh and other states. Analysts say it could reduce the threat level in Andhra Pradesh, where the insurgents had been active for decades.
In the days ahead, security forces will likely continue their search for remaining Maoists who may still be hiding in the dense forests beyond the ambush point. The Indian government says it will keep the public informed as more information becomes available.
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