Indian security forces have achieved a landmark success with the elimination of Madavi Hidma, a prominent and feared Naxal commander, in a targeted operation in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. Hidma, a central committee member of CPI (Maoist) and leader of the elite PLGA Battalion-1, was killed in a gun battle that also claimed the lives of his wife, Raje alias Rajakka, and four other cadres. This development is anticipated to significantly disrupt Maoist operations across several states.
Hidma, born in Chhattisgarh and known by several aliases, was a pivotal figure in the Naxal movement for over a decade. He joined the ranks of the Maoists in his youth and quickly rose through the leadership, becoming the de facto face of armed insurgency in the Bastar region and southern Chhattisgarh. His command of PLGA Battalion-1 saw him orchestrate some of the most audacious and deadly attacks against security personnel and civilians, including the infamous Dantewada attack in 2010 and the Darbha Valley massacre in 2013. With a reward of over Rs 1.45 crore offered for his capture, he was a prime target for security agencies.
The encounter took place in the dense forests near the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border early in the morning, following an intelligence-led search operation. Greyhound forces engaged a group of Maoists, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire. The six militants killed included Hidma, his wife Rajakka, and key functionaries like Chelluri Narayana and Tech Shankar. Authorities are currently conducting extensive searches to neutralize any remaining threats and secure the area.
The significance of Hidma’s death cannot be overstated. It represents a severe blow to the Maoist leadership, particularly impacting the PLGA Battalion-1’s strategic planning and execution capabilities. Security analysts suggest that his demise will create a leadership vacuum, disrupt command and control, and significantly weaken the group’s ability to launch coordinated attacks. This success is also expected to provide valuable intelligence, aiding in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Naxal network and restore peace in affected regions.
