Overview
- Police say Madvi Hidma, 51, was killed in a November 18 encounter at Maredumilli in Andhra Pradesh, where officers also engaged his wife Rajakka and 11 other Maoists.
- Authorities report that more than 50 Maoists have surrendered in the days following the operation under what they call Operation Sambhav.
- Officials credit intelligence-led planning and joint execution by the Andhra Pradesh Police, the Greyhounds and special forces for the outcome.
- Hidma carried a ₹1 crore bounty and was accused by police of leading major ambushes including Tadmetla in 2010, Burkapal in 2017 and Tekulugudem in 2021.
- Police assert that his death has shattered PLGA Battalion No. 1 and fragmented Maoist operations in Dandakaranya, while longer-term verification remains to be seen.