Dreaded Maoist leader and wife neutralized in forest encounter
In a monumental success for security forces battling left-wing extremism, Madvi Hidma, arguably the most feared and wanted Maoist commander in India, was neutralized in a fierce gun battle on Tuesday morning. The operation took place in the dense Maredumilli forest within the Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh.
Officials confirmed that the 51-year-old insurgent leader was not alone; his wife, Madakam Raje, and four other Naxal cadres were also gunned down during the exchange of fire. The group was reportedly attempting to flee from Chhattisgarh when they were intercepted.
A Planned Strike Near the Border
The encounter was the result of precise intelligence. According to top security sources, the Andhra Pradesh Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) had been tracking movements near the sensitive tri-junction border of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Inputs suggested a large group of rebels was navigating through the forest corridor. Acting on this lead, the elite anti-Naxal Greyhounds, supported by local police, launched a combing operation late Monday night.
Between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM on Tuesday, the security teams cornered the rebels, leading to the lethal exchange. Amit Bardar, the Superintendent of Police for Alluri Sitarama Raju district, confirmed that six bodies have been recovered so far, though the operation is still active as forces scour the area for stragglers.
End of a Reign of Terror
Madvi Hidma’s death marks a crippling blow to the Maoist leadership. Known as 'Santosh' within the ranks, he served on the powerful Central Committee and headed the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. His dossier is chilling; he is believed to be the mastermind behind at least 26 deadly attacks on security personnel over the years.
His neutralization comes shortly after the surrender of another senior leader, Mallojula Venugopal Rao (alias Sonu). At the time, security officials had stated that their crosshairs were now fixed firmly on Hidma, describing him as the "most deadly commander" in the outfit.
Pushing Toward a Maoist-Free India
This successful operation aligns with the aggressive timeline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eradicate left-wing extremism by March next year. Security forces have intensified their pressure on the few remaining Maoist strongholds in Bastar and Dandakaranya.
The current year has been particularly devastating for the insurgency. A significant portion of their top brass—including former general secretary Basvaraj and committee members like Gajarla Ravi and Katta Ramachandra Reddy—have been eliminated. With Hidma now gone, the operational capability of the Naxals in the Odisha-Andhra-Chhattisgarh belt is expected to severely decline.
Image Source: Free Press Journal
