Elusive Maoists commander Madvi Hidma continues to avert counter insurgency efforts

Hyderabad: Despite the high-profile killings of Maoists following the launch of Operation Kagar, India's largest counter-insurgency operation, one 'comrade commander' Madvi Hidma has remained elusive.

Security forces had almost cornered him in January, but he managed to slip away during an operation that resulted in the deaths of around 18 Naxalites. He was targeted in the Pujari-Kanker area in south Bastar during an encounter that killed 18 Naxals on January 16.

Just days after the Pujari-Kanker encounter, another top Naxal, Chalapathi alias Appa Rao, was killed in Gariaband district on the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border on January 19. Chalapathi was considered Hidma's mentor.

Madvi Hidma stands as one of the most prominent and elusive figures within the CPI (Maoist), known for his strategic acumen in guerrilla warfare and his leadership role in several high-profile attacks against security forces. Born around 1981 in Purvati village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, Hidma hails from the Muriya tribal community.

He reportedly joined the Maoist movement in the 1990s at a young age after dropping out of school. His early involvement enabled him to rise rapidly through the organisation's ranks. Hidma now commands Battalion 1 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of the CPI (Maoist). This battalion is considered one of the most lethal and rigorously trained units within the Maoist organisation, operating primarily across Sukma, Dantewada, and Bijapur regions of Chhattisgarh.

"Under his leadership, the battalion has conducted a series of deadly ambushes and attacks on security forces. Battalion 1 is understood to be the most heavily armed of all Maoist formations, with 80 per cent of its personnel equipped with automatic or semi-automatic weapons, including AK-series rifles, self-loading rifles, and light machine guns. Reflecting his strategic importance, Hidma operates within a three-layer security cordon for protection," a top source in an Indian intelligence agency told DH.

Along with Madvi Hidma, other top Maoist leaders -- Deva Barse, and Damodar -- each carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore, were believed to be hiding deep in the forest.

"In addition to his role in the PLGA, Hidma is a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZ) and has been inducted into the CPI (Maoist)'s Central Committee, making him one of the youngest members to hold such a position. His strategic capabilities and operational successes have solidified his reputation within the Maoist hierarchy," the source added.

Despite multiple operations and the establishment of new security camps in remote areas, Hidma has managed to evade security forces, partly due to his deep knowledge of the terrain and support from local networks. "His continued elusiveness poses a significant challenge to counter-insurgency efforts in the region," the source further said.

Notable attacks & activities of Hidma

2010 Dantewada Attack: An ambush that resulted in the deaths of 76 CRPF personnel.

2013 Jhiram Ghati Massacre: An attack on a convoy of Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh, leading to 27 fatalities, including senior political figures.

2017 Burkapal Ambush: An assault that killed 25 CRPF personnel.

2021 Sukma-Bijapur Attack: A well-planned ambush involving over 400 Maoist fighters, resulting in the deaths of 22 security personnel and injuries to several others.