Intelligence-Led Operation Results in Death of Top Maoist Leader Madvi Hidma in Tri-State Border Area

Mahesh Chandra Ladha, ADG Intelligence of Andhra Pradesh, spearheaded the intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the elimination of prominent Maoist leader Madvi Hidma.

A sophisticated intelligence operation in Andhra Pradesh has successfully neutralized notorious Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. Security forces executed the strike following extensive surveillance of Maoist activities, with officials confirming they "waited for the right opportunity" before launching today's decisive action.

The confrontation occurred in the Maredumilli forest of Alluri Sitharamaraju district at the border intersection of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Hidma, who had orchestrated at least 26 armed assaults against security personnel and civilians, was among six insurgents killed. His spouse, Raje, along with four armed bodyguards, were also found deceased at the encounter site.

Precise intelligence information initiated this operation. Mahesh Chandra Ladha, ADG Intelligence for Andhra Pradesh, who directed the intelligence-based mission, revealed that the breakthrough emerged after intelligence suggested senior Maoist leadership had entered Andhra Pradesh aiming to rejuvenate their movement. "During the past day or two, we received very specific intelligence that several top Maoist leaders were entering Andhra Pradesh with plans to revive their movement," Ladha stated.

He further explained, "They were attempting to establish shelter and rebuild their movement in Andhra Pradesh. While maintaining continuous surveillance, we awaited the optimal opportunity, which led to today's comprehensive action. Reports indicate some Maoists fled the encounter site, and combing operations remain ongoing. We anticipate making further arrests shortly."

From the location, security teams seized a substantial cache of weaponry and equipment. Ladha reported, "We have recovered various arms and ammunition, specifically two AK-47s, one pistol, one revolver, one single-bore weapon, and additional materials including kit bags. The bodies are being transported, post-mortems will follow proper procedures, and necessary actions will be taken subsequently."

Born in 1981 in Sukma (then part of Madhya Pradesh), Hidma rose to command a battalion of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and became the youngest member of the Central Committee, the CPI Maoist's supreme decision-making body. He was the sole tribal representative from the Bastar region on the central committee and carried a bounty of Rs 50 lakh.

Hidma gained notoriety for orchestrating several major Maoist attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada attack that resulted in 76 CRPF personnel casualties, the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush that killed 27 people including prominent Congress leaders, and the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush where 22 security personnel lost their lives.