In a major breakthrough in India’s long fight against Left-wing extremism, security forces have killed top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in the dense Pullagandi forests at the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. The 44-year-old Maoist, considered one of the most dangerous Maoist commanders, was neutralised just 12 days before a deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his elimination.
Home Minister’s Target Achieved Ahead of Time
According to sources present during high-level security review meetings, Shah had instructed anti-Naxal forces to eliminate Hidma before 30 November 2025. The Home Minister has also set a national deadline of 31 March 2026, for making India completely free of Maoist insurgency.
A senior official privy to the directive said: “The Union Home Minister told security agencies to eliminate Hidma before November 30. He was killed 12 days before this deadline.”
Officials added that, given the current pace of counter-insurgency operations, Left-wing extremism is likely to collapse even before the March 2026 target.
Who Was Madvi Hidma?
Born in Sukma in 1981, Hidma rose through Maoist ranks to become the commander of PLGA Battalion No. 1 and a member of the powerful Maoist Central Committee. He was the only tribal leader from Bastar to reach this top echelon.
Hidma’s name has been linked to more than 26 major Naxal attacks, making him one of the most feared insurgents in the country. He was widely described by security agencies as the “Osama of Maoist terror.”
A 29-Year Manhunt Ends
Hidma had evaded capture for nearly three decades, often disappearing into the forests moments before security forces closed in. The Bastar region, where he operated, has long been considered India’s most violent Maoist stronghold.
His death is being hailed by officials as a watershed moment.
Bastar IG Sundarraj P called it a “historic milestone in the fight against Left-wing extremism,” noting that the Maoist leadership is now reduced to a handful of senior figures.
Signals of Surrender That Never Materialised
Recent developments suggested Hidma was considering giving up arms. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma met his mother last week, urging him to surrender.
Telangana police claimed Hidma had sent “hints” of surrender. A Bastar-based journalist said Hidma contacted him to explore negotiation options. However, any such talks ended before they could begin.
A Shrinking Maoist Leadership
The year 2025 has seen record attrition at the top levels of the CPI (Maoist):
Killed:
- Nambala Keshav Rao (General Secretary)
- Thentu Laxmi
- Kadari Satyanarayan Reddy
- Katta Ramchandra Reddy
- Chalapati
Surrendered:
- Mallujola Venugopal Rao alias Sonu (Politburo)
- Sujata
- Chandranna
- Rupesh
Those still active include Ganesh Uikey, Anal Da, Malla Raji Reddy (alias Sangram), and Ramder.
With leaders ageing, cadre strength dwindling, and movement restricted due to intense surveillance, officials believe Maoism may be approaching its “final death knell.”
A Turning Point in Counter-Insurgency?
Hidma’s killing, coming ahead of Shah’s deadline, is being viewed as one of the most significant counter-insurgency successes in recent years. Security officials say it could accelerate India’s march toward a “Maoist-mukt Bharat” well before 2026.
(Source: The Print)
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