7 more Maoists killed day after Madvi Hidma eliminated
What's the story
In a major development, seven Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Maredumilli forest area of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh. The operation was a follow-up to Tuesday's encounter that had claimed the life of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma and five others. Andhra Pradesh Intelligence Additional Director General Mahesh Chandra Laddha confirmed the news at a press conference in Vijayawada.
Ongoing investigation
Identity of deceased Maoists being verified
The identity verification process is still underway, but one of the deceased has been identified as Meturi Jokha Rao, alias Shankar. Shankar was an Area Committee Member for the Andhra-Odisha Border region and was skilled in technical operations, arms manufacturing, and communication. Laddha said Wednesday's action was based on intelligence gathered after Tuesday's encounter.
Record arrests
Largest Maoist arrest in Andhra Pradesh's history
In addition to the seven deaths, Laddha also revealed that 50 Maoists have been arrested across multiple districts, including NTR, Krishna, Kakinada, Konaseema and Eluru. This is the largest such arrest in Andhra Pradesh's history. Security forces seized 45 weapons, 272 rounds of ammunition, two magazines and other materials during the operation.