Overview

• Telangana intelligence told The Indian Express that Thippiri Tirupathi, known as Devji, has taken over as general secretary after Basavaraju’s May killing, with police still awaiting any Maoist statement.
• Interrogation of surrendered cadre Kamlesh provided details that Madvi Hidma has been appointed secretary of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, with no direct confirmation from Maoist communications.
• Intelligence inputs say an Indravati area committee meeting discussed Devji’s elevation, and officials note Mallojula Venugopal Rao, or Sonu, was a key contender for the top post.
• Hidma is described as the first Bastar resident to helm the DKZC, with reports citing local resistance to Telugu senior leaders and the previous secretary Ramchandra Reddy becoming inactive due to health issues.
• Devji has long led the Central Military Commission, is credited with creating the PLGA’s first platoon, carries a Rs 1 crore bounty, and rises as security agencies describe the outfit as weakened by losses, surrenders and infighting.