Maoist Leader Madvi Hidma Killed in Andhra Pradesh: Amit Shah's Vision of Maoist-Free India Advances

New Delhi:

Home Minister Amit Shah made a bold declaration 17 days ago during an NDTV summit before the Bihar election, promising a Maoist-free India by March 31, 2026. In his conversation with NDTV, Shah highlighted that there was once a time when over 130 districts across India suffered from Maoist-related violence. However, he confidently stated that "the backbone of this violent movement has been broken" and predicted complete elimination of the insurgency by March next year.

On Tuesday morning, a significant development occurred when Andhra Pradesh Police confirmed the elimination of key Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. Responsible for at least 26 armed attacks against security forces and civilians, Hidma's death represents a major step toward the government's objective of eradicating Maoist insurgency ahead of schedule.

When previously discussing Hidma with NDTV, Amit Shah had emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance to all rebels willing to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society: they would be offered jobs and rehabilitation. However, Shah had also issued a clear warning that if surrender was not chosen, the government's campaign would continue relentlessly.

Hidma did not surrender. He was killed in an encounter with Andhra Pradesh police between 6 and 7 am in the Maredumilli forest near the Chhattisgarh and Telangana borders.

Director-General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta confirmed that five other Maoists were also killed in the operation.

Madvi Hidma, born in 1981 in Sukma (then part of Madhya Pradesh), rose through Maoist ranks to lead a battalion of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army. He achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest member of the Central Committee, the CPI Maoist's supreme decision-making body. Notably, he was the only tribal member from Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on this committee and carried a substantial bounty of Rs 50 lakh on his head.

His wife, Raje alias Rajakka, also perished in the encounter.

Hidma's violent legacy includes numerous attacks, most notably the 2010 Dantewada attack that claimed the lives of 76 CRPF personnel, the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush resulting in 27 deaths including prominent Congress leaders, and the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush that killed 22 soldiers.

Security experts consider Hidma's elimination a devastating blow to the Maoist movement, particularly at a time when they are already weakened by intensified security operations and increasing surrenders from their ranks.