Maoist encounter: A.P. police gain national acclaim

The Andhra Pradesh police are in the spotlight following the high-impact joint operation that eliminated top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, a press release from the Chief Minister’s Office read.

A “meticulously planned encounter”, executed by the A.P. police, Greyhounds and other special forces at Maradumilli, neutralised 13 extremists, including Hidma, long considered the most dangerous Maoist commander in the Dandakaranya region.

Hidma (51) was responsible for over 23 major attacks that claimed the lives of over 300 security personnel and civilians. Known for his ruthlessness and mastery of guerrilla tactics, he led the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army battalion no. 1 and held a high-ranking position in the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee. His deep knowledge of the terrain and mobile warfare strategies had allowed him to evade CRPF and central agencies for nearly two decades.

Security experts say Hidma’s death has created a severe leadership void within the Maoist ranks, pushing the movement towards fragmentation, read the press release.