Top Maoist Commander Madvi Hidma, Behind 26 Armed Attacks, Killed

Introduction

A major development in India’s anti-Maoist operations came on Tuesday when Madvi Hidma, one of the most feared and high-profile Maoist commanders, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Andhra Pradesh’s forest region. His death is being described as one of the biggest blows to Maoist leadership in recent years.

Who Was Madvi Hidma?

Madvi Hidma was known as the commander of PLGA Battalion No. 1, considered the most dangerous armed unit within the Maoist setup. He was believed to be behind at least 26 major attacks, including some of the deadliest ambushes on security forces.

Hidma joined the Maoist movement at a very young age and steadily rose through the ranks due to his familiarity with the terrain, his influence across villages, and his role in planning high-intensity strikes. His name had long been at the top of intelligence lists, and he carried a reward of over ₹1 crore.

How the Encounter Happened

The encounter took place in the dense forests of the Alluri Sitarama Raju district, an area known for Maoist presence. A joint team of security forces launched an operation after receiving information about the movement of senior Maoist leaders.

During the exchange of fire, Hidma and several of his close associates were killed. Among those dead was his wife, also a Maoist cadre who operated under an alias. Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, and communication devices from the site.

Officials said the operation was carefully planned to prevent the Maoists from escaping deep into the forest. Forces monitored the area for several hours before confirming Hidma’s identity.

Why Hidma’s Death Is Significant

Hidma was not just a field commander — he was considered a strategic planner and a link between Maoist groups in multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. His battalion was active in several high-risk zones, making him central to the Maoist organisation.

His elimination is expected to cause:

• A leadership crisis within the battalion he commanded
• A disruption in Maoist movement between states
• Reduced ability to carry out large-scale attacks
• Pressure on remaining top leaders who relied on Hidma’s support network

Security experts say that while the insurgency will not end overnight, this is one of the strongest setbacks Maoists have faced in years.

The Road Ahead for Security Forces

With Hidma gone, security forces are expected to push deeper into areas long controlled by Maoist groups. The government is likely to intensify development work in remote villages, a long-term strategy to reduce Maoist influence.

Teams involved in the encounter have been instructed to remain alert, as Maoist retaliation in nearby regions cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

Madvi Hidma’s death marks a major milestone in India’s fight against Maoist extremism. For decades, he remained a shadowy figure linked to deadly ambushes and violent operations. With his killing, security agencies believe that Maoist groups have suffered a major leadership vacuum — one that could weaken their operations for years to come.