The security forces acted on specific intelligence provided by the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) of Andhra Pradesh. Telangana SIB later confirmed Hidma’s identity.
A senior CPI (Maoist) commander, Madvi Hidma, was killed along with his wife Raje in an encounter with Andhra Pradesh security forces on Tuesday. The clash took place in the dense Maredumilli forest area of East Godavari district. Officials said six Maoists were present in the group during the operation.
The security forces acted on specific intelligence provided by the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) of Andhra Pradesh. Telangana SIB later confirmed Hidma’s identity.
Madvi Hidma, 51, hailed from Puvarthi village in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. He belonged to the Muriya Scheduled Tribe and had studied up to Class 10. Hidma served as a Central Committee Member (CCM) of the CPI (Maoist) and led the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion in the southern theatre of the organisation.
He was known by several aliases, including Deva, Santosh, and Vilas. Hidma’s wife, Raje, also known as Rajakka, was a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and worked as a teacher within the PLGA battalion.
Speaking to TOI, Andhra Pradesh Director-General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta said, “Maoist central committee member Madvi Hidma and his wife Raje were killed in the exchange of fire at Maredumilli.”
Gupta added that Hidma and his six-member team were “testing the Andhra limits” while moving from Chhattisgarh. The group had entered Andhra Pradesh through the Maredumilli area and was also attempting to move towards Odisha.
Greyhounds and district police had been conducting regular combing operations in the forest due to intelligence about the group’s movement. During one such operation, an encounter broke out. In the firefight, Hidma, Raje, and three other Maoists were killed.
The police recovered AK-47 rifles from the site. “All six Maoists were found dead at the spot. Further verification of details is underway,” the DGP said.
Hidma was a key figure in the Maoist network, especially in the southern operational zones. He joined the CPI (Maoist) at a young age and gradually rose through the ranks due to his tactical skills and ability to coordinate guerrilla operations.
Known for his strict discipline and operational planning, Hidma commanded significant influence over the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army battalions. He and his wife played active roles in recruitment, training, and indoctrination within the Maoist cadre.
The death of Hidma marks a significant blow to the CPI (Maoist), as he had been central to their southern operations and expansion into Andhra Pradesh. Law enforcement officials say this encounter will disrupt Maoist activities in the region and serve as a warning for other insurgent groups attempting to cross state borders.
The killing of Madvi Hidma and his wife Raje is a major success for Andhra Pradesh police and the Greyhounds. Authorities continue to monitor the forest areas to prevent any resurgence of Maoist activity.
