Top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, behind several deadly attacks, killed in major encounter in Andhra Pradesh
PTC Web Desk: Madvi Hidma, one of India’s most feared Maoist commanders and the mastermind behind several deadly ambushes on security forces, was shot dead on Tuesday during a fierce encounter in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district. He was among six Maoists eliminated in the joint operation carried out near the Andhra Pradesh–Chhattisgarh–Odisha border following specific intelligence inputs on Maoist movement in the area.
Hidma (43) carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head and was long considered the backbone of the CPI (Maoist) military structure. His second wife, Raje (also known as Rajakka), who served as a Maoist cadre, was also killed in the exchange of fire along with his personal security guards.
Security agencies had kept him under close watch for years due to his role in multiple high-profile attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada massacre that claimed the lives of 76 CRPF personnel, and the 2013 Jhiram Valley attack in which 27 persons, including senior Congress leaders, were killed. Hidma was also linked to the 2021 Sukma–Bijapur encounter in which 22 security personnel lost their lives.
Born in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh in 1981, Hidma rose rapidly through the Maoist ranks to lead the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, considered the most lethal strike force of the Maoist organisation. He was the youngest member of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee and the only tribal representative from Bastar to sit on the top decision-making body.
Known for his tactical brilliance, deep knowledge of the forest terrain and sophisticated guerrilla warfare techniques, Hidma was regarded by security forces as one of the most dangerous Maoist leaders operating in central India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the forces for the successful operation, noting that he had earlier set a deadline of November 30 for neutralising Hidma as part of an intensified anti-Maoist campaign. Shah has aimed to make India completely Maoist-free by March 31, 2026.
- With inputs from agencies
