Top Maoist leader Madavi Hidma killed in strategic strike
Security forces have taken down Madavi Hidma, a key Maoist commander linked to 26 major attacks, in a planned operation at the Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh-Telangana border on November 18, 2025.
Acting on orders from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to neutralize Hidma before the end of the month, this move is seen as a big step toward ending Maoist activity by March 2026.
What this means
Hidma wasn't just any leader—he was the only Bastar tribal figure in the Maoist top ranks and played a central role in their operations.
The early morning encounter also led to the deaths of his wife Madakam Raje and four others.
For security forces who've been working hard to break down Maoist leadership, this marks an important win and brings India closer to its goal of curbing left-wing extremism.