Tue Nov 18 08:59:12 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, along with his wife and four others, were killed in an encounter with police in Andhra Pradesh. Hidma was a key figure in the Maoist movement, known for his military strategy and involvement in numerous deadly attacks. His death is considered a major blow to the already weakening Maoist insurgency in India, which the government aims to eradicate by March 2026.

News Article:

Key Maoist Leader Madvi Hidma Killed in Andhra Pradesh Encounter

VISAKHAPATNAM, India – November 18, 2025 – Madvi Hidma, a top commander of the banned CPI (Maoist) and mastermind behind numerous deadly attacks over the past two decades, was killed in an encounter with police in Andhra Pradesh early Tuesday morning.

The Special Party team of the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district police gunned down Hidma, also known as Santosh, his wife Madakam Raje (Rajakka), and four other Maoists near Nellooru village in Maredumilli Mandal, according to Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta. The encounter reportedly took place between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., and combing operations are ongoing.

Hidma headed the Central Military Commission (CMC), the main fighting force of the Maoist group. He was known for his tactical skills and ability to lead fighters. He was responsible for major attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada attack that killed 76 CRPF personnel and the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush that claimed the lives of several Congress leaders.

The death of Hidma, who carried a reward of Rs. 50 lakh on his head, marks a significant victory for Indian security forces against the dwindling Maoist movement. The Union Government has set a deadline of March 2026 to end the insurgency, currently focusing efforts through “Operation Kagar” in Chhattisgarh, a Maoist stronghold, in coordination with other affected states.

The CPI (Maoist), once a major security threat, has seen its strength diminish significantly, with key leaders being killed or surrendering. Hidma’s death is expected to further weaken the group, bringing the government closer to its goal of eradicating the Maoist insurgency.

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