Big Blow to Maoists : Madvi Hidma, wife and 4 others killed in encounter

In a huge blow to the Maoist movement in the country, top commander Madvi Hidma was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharamaraju district in the Andhra-Odisha border area on Tuesday.

- 

Hidma's wife, Rajeand four other Maoists, who were his gunmen, were also killed in the encounter that took place in the Maredumilli forest area.

Andhra Pradesh's Additional Director General (Intelligence) Mahesh Chandra Laddha told media persons that the exchange of fire took place between the security forces and the Maoists between 6.30-7.00 a.m.

"Bodies of six Maoists were recovered. They were identified as Madvi Hidma, who isa Central Committee member and first battalion commandant and one of the most wanted and dreaded Maoists, his wife Raje and four of his gunmen," he said.

The intelligence chief said the police were keeping a continuous watch following information that Maoists, particularly from battalions including leaders, were planning to shift to Andhra Pradesh due to continuous pressure in Chhattisgarh.