In a significant breakthrough for India’s anti-Naxal campaign, security forces have neutralized Madvi Hidma, one of the most feared and wanted Naxal commanders, in the Maredumilli forests of Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh. Hidma, who carried a reward of ₹1 crore, was considered the backbone of several deadly attacks carried out in the Red Corridor.
Six Naxals Neutralized in Fierce Gunfight
The encounter unfolded during an early morning combing operation when elite security units traced a Maoist group deep inside the dense Maredumilli forest belt. According to officials, the exchange of fire lasted several minutes, resulting in the killing of six Naxals, including:
- Madvi Hidma, senior commander and key strategist
- His wife, Raje, reportedly involved in multiple Naxal units
- Four other armed cadres
Forces recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and tactical equipment from the site.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Briefed on Operation
Following the successful operation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to senior officials and reviewed the details of the encounter. Shah appreciated the forces for their precision, coordination, and relentless effort in tracking high-value Naxal operatives across challenging terrains.
Officials stated that the operation marks one of the biggest blows to Maoist networks in recent years, as Hidma played a pivotal role in leading major offensives against police and paramilitary forces.
Celebrations Reported in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma District
News of Hidma’s death sparked visible relief in several parts of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, where locals reportedly celebrated with firecrackers. Hidma had long been a dreaded figure in the region, accused of orchestrating numerous attacks that claimed the lives of security personnel and civilians.
His elimination is expected to disrupt the command structure of Maoist groups spanning Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
Who Was Madvi Hidma? The Mastermind Behind India’s Deadliest Maoist Attacks
At 43, Madvi Hidma was regarded as one of the most ruthless and strategically sharp Maoist leaders. He led the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1 and was directly involved in several high-profile attacks over the last decade.
Major Attacks Linked to Hidma
- 2010 Dantewada massacre – 76 CRPF personnel killed
- 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack – 27 people, including senior Congress leaders, assassinated
- 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush – 22 security personnel killed
His elimination marks a significant dismantling of the Maoist command structure in the region.
A High-Ranking Maoist Commander
Hidma was believed to be a senior member of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, one of the most aggressive Maoist units. Over the years, he was linked to several high-profile attacks, including ambushes that targeted high-ranking officers, political delegations, and security patrols.
Long Surveillance and Multi-State Coordination
Security agencies had been tracking Hidma’s movements across state borders. Officials indicated that this operation was the result of months of surveillance, intelligence inputs, and coordinated efforts between Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh security teams.
Impact of the Operation
Experts believe the elimination of Hidma could trigger a major setback for Maoist networks in the region. His death is likely to:
- Disrupt operational planning of Maoist squads
- Lower morale among local cadre
- Diminish Naxal influence in southern and central tribal belts
- Strengthen ongoing anti-Naxal initiatives
Security forces have intensified combing operations to ensure no surviving member escapes the area.