ThePrint ThePrintAM: Who was Madvi Hidma, top Maoist leader killed in Andhra Pradesh?
Nov 19, 2025
This podcast dives into the life and death of Madvi Hidma, a top Maoist leader killed in Andhra Pradesh. His killing weakens the Maoist leadership structure, impacting the Central Committee and Politburo. Hidma was known for his militant approach and significant role in major attacks, including devastating ambushes against CRPF personnel. The discussion also highlights the factional split within the Maoist movement after the death of a previous leader, underscoring the internal power dynamics at play.
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Death Of A Key Commander Weakens Maoists
- Madvi Hidma was a top Maoist commander and de facto second-in-command who led lethal PLA battalions across Bastar and Dandakaranya.
- His death deals a major organizational and tactical blow to the Maoists and boosts security forces' campaign to end the insurgency by March 2026.
Architect Of Major Ambushes
- Hidma's staunch military approach made him central to major ambushes, including twin Dantewada massacres and numerous Bastar attacks.
- Forces say he was tactically involved in virtually every major operation against security personnel in the region.
Factional Split Exposed
- After the killing of the previous general secretary, the Maoists split between surrender and militarist factions led by Devji and Hidma.
- Hidma's death undermines the militarist faction and could weaken continued armed resistance.