Chhattisgarh Encounter: Maoist Kingpin Madvi Hidma, Behind 26 Attacks, Shot Dead

In what could become the most significant blow to Left-Wing Extremism in recent years, top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, accused of orchestrating at least 26 deadly attacks on security forces, has been killed in an encounter. The development emerged from a forested border region, with senior officials indicating that the operation marks a major counter-insurgency success.Security forces engaged a Maoist unit during an early-morning operation, leading to a fierce exchange of fire. Hidma, one of the most wanted CPI (Maoist) commanders and head of the PLGA Battalion No 1, is believed to have been neutralised. According to sources, formal identification of the body is currently underway and a final confirmation will be issued only after the verification

process is complete.Speaking on the development, Sundarraj Pattlingam, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), said that preliminary reports suggest a “historic milestone” in India’s anti-Naxal efforts. “We are awaiting official confirmation and will issue a detailed statement soon,” he added.Hidma has long been considered the operational backbone of Maoist violence in south Chhattisgarh, allegedly involved in major attacks including the 2010 Dantewada massacre, the 2013 Jhiram Valley ambush and multiple encounters targetting security personnel.Hidma’s killing will significantly weaken Maoist operational capabilities across the Bastar division -- a critical turning point in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.