Mastermind of 26 Strikes Falls: How Hidma’s Death Closed a Dark Chapter of Red Terror

Chhattisgarh: The country's security agencies are continuously taking action against terrorism and Naxal networks. In this action, the turning point came on Tuesday, which almost destroyed the backbone of Naxalism. The journey of Naxalite commander Madvi Hidma, who carried out bloody incidents for almost two decades, ended today. Security forces killed him during a major operation in the Mared Milli forest on the Chhattisgarh-Andhra Pradesh border.

Why was the name Hidma considered so dangerous?

Hidma entered the world of weapons at the age of just 16. Gradually he became the most deadly face of the Naxal organization. His name first came up in the 2007 Rani Bodli incident, where 55 security personnel were killed by attacking sleeping soldiers with petrol bombs.

Which attacks became Hidma's identity?

The attack in Dantewada in 2010 proved him to be the biggest planner of Naxalites. 76 soldiers were martyred in that attack. In 2013, Congress leaders were attacked in Jheeram Valley, in which 27 people lost their lives. The strategy of this attack was also made by Hidma.
He was also the mastermind in the incident in which 22 soldiers were martyred in Sukma-Bijapur in 2021.

How were the security agencies able to track Hidma?

The security forces had been keeping an eye on his activities for a long time. A few days ago, a strong input was received regarding his movement, which was tracked continuously for about 34 hours. As soon as the location was confirmed, preparations for the operation were completed.

When and how did the operation start?

According to the information, the operation started at around 2 am in the dense forests. It was cordoned off from all four directions so that there was no scope for Hidma to escape. Hidma, his wife, and four other Naxalites were killed in the encounter that lasted for about four hours.

What positions did Hidma hold?

His real name was Santosh. He had handled many important responsibilities in the banned CPI (Maoist) organization. He later became the commander of Battalion No. 1, which is considered the most violent and strategic contingent of the Naxalites. A reward of Rs 1 crore was placed on his head.

Did childhood help Hidma become dangerous?

Hidma knew the geography of the dense forests of Dantewada, Sukma, and Bastar since childhood. This was the reason why he used to dodge the security forces by changing camps again and again. Many times the soldiers reached his hideout, but he would have left from there minutes earlier.

Was this action completed before the scheduled time?

Sources say that Home Minister Amit Shah had given a deadline to the security forces to eliminate Hidma by 30th November. For this reason, the search operation was intensified in the dense forests. The operation was successful 12 days ahead of schedule.

Could Hidma have survived?

If Hidma had listened to his mother's appeal a week ago, he might have been alive today. During the meeting with Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, his mother had requested him in a video message to leave violence and return home. But he did not change his path.

Where has the situation of Naxalism reached now?

So far in the year 2025, 312 Naxalites have been killed in encounters. 835 were arrested and 1639 surrendered. Naxalism has now been limited to a few districts. This year, big Naxalite commanders like Basava Raju and Sudhakar were also killed. Hidma's death is being considered a big blow to Naxalism.

Is the end of Naxalism near now?

After Hidma was killed, people in Sukma celebrated by burning firecrackers. Security agencies believe that the Naxal movement is now in its final stages. The government's aim is to completely free the country from Naxalism by March 31, 2026 and looking at the current circumstances, this goal does not seem too far away.