The long-standing fight against Naxal insurgency has seen a pivotal moment with the killing of highly wanted Maoist commander Madavi Hidma in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. Hidma, a central figure in the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion-1, was among six Maoists neutralized by the elite Greyhound forces. His death, along with his wife Raje alias Rajakka and four others, is considered a major blow to the organization’s capabilities and a significant achievement for national security.
Hidma, identified as Madavi Hidma or Santosh, was a youngest member of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee. His journey within the movement began in his teenage years in Chhattisgarh, rapidly escalating him to become a feared leader responsible for orchestrating devastating attacks across Bastar and southern Chhattisgarh. His strategic acumen in guerrilla warfare led the PLGA Battalion-1, and his involvement in attacks such as the 2010 Dantewada massacre (76 CRPF fatalities) and the 2013 Darbha Valley incident solidifies his reputation as a dangerous insurgent. A bounty of over Rs 1.45 crore underscored his status as one of India’s most pursued Naxals.
The encounter transpired between 6 and 7 a.m. in a forested area close to the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana state border, following intelligence indicating increased Maoist presence. A swift and decisive search operation by security forces engaged the militants, leading to a firefight. Key figures eliminated alongside Hidma included Chelluri Narayana, a Special Zonal Committee Member, and Tech Shankar. The Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police has affirmed the success of the operation and announced ongoing efforts to sweep the area for any lingering threats.
The impact of Hidma’s elimination is profound. It directly decapitates a vital leadership node, severely hampering the PLGA’s operational planning and command structure. Analysts believe his absence will significantly weaken the group’s capacity to execute major attacks in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and neighboring states. This victory is also expected to boost the morale of security forces and potentially yield crucial intelligence regarding Maoist hideouts, networks, and future plans, thereby accelerating the dismantling of their operational base.