Another top Maoist leader, 5 others killed in encounter
What's the story
In a major operation, six Maoists, including one of their top leaders, were killed in an encounter with special police personnel in the Maredumilli forests of Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitarama Raju district early on Tuesday. "The encounter occurred between 6:00am and 7:00am. In the exchange of fire, six Maoists were killed, including a top Maoist leader. A massive combing operation is currently underway," DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said.
Leader
Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed
While the identity of the leader hasn't been announced, NDTV reported that Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, responsible for leading at least 26 armed attacks against security forces and civilians, was gunned down in the operation. According to the channel's sources, the encounter occurred in the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, which is home to multiple Maoist hideouts. The operation is still ongoing.
Previous encounters
Second major encounter in ASR district this year
This is the second major encounter between the Maoists and security personnel this month. On Tuesday, six ultras were slain in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, including two feared Maoist leaders, Buchanna Kudiyam and Urmila. Buchanna was a key planner of several Naxal attacks and carried a reward of ₹8 lakh on his head. Urmila, the wife of senior Maoist leader Papa Rao, was responsible for logistical supplies for the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion.
Additional casualties
Other Maoists killed and weapons recovered
The encounter occurred in the forested jungles of the National Park area between Kandulnar and Kachlaram villages. Weapons, including two INSAS rifles, a 9mm carbine, a .303 rifle, a single-shot gun and a 12-bore firearm, were also recovered during the operation. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav said security forces have neutralized 144 Maoists so far this year, while Bastar Range inspector general of police Sundarraj PP said ongoing operations have weakened the Maoist structure in the region.