In one of its most extensive operations in recent years, Andhra Pradesh police arrested 50 members of the CPI (Maoist) across five districts following the death of a top Naxal commander. The crackdown, heavily intelligence-driven, marks a serious setback for the Maoist network in the region.
The Operation: Scale and Strategy
- The arrests came a day after a high-profile encounter on November 18 in Alluri Seetharam Raju district, during which Maoist commander M. Hidma and five others were killed.
- The state’s ADGP (Intelligence), Mahesh Chandra Laddha, said the operation was “coordinated” and launched following actionable intelligence.
- The districts covered included Krishna, Eluru, NTR, Kakinada, and Konaseema, with forces from the State Intelligence Department, Special Investigation Branch (SIB), and district police working in tandem.
Arrests and Custody
- Of the 50 Maoists detained, 45 have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
- The arrested individuals include high-ranking operatives: special zonal committee members, divisional and area committee members, as well as regular cadres, many of whom operated in the south Bastar–Dandakaranyaregion.
- According to the SIB chief, PHD Ramakrishna, the operation was carried out “with silent precision,” ensuring no civilian harm and no Maoist cadre escaped.
Seized Arms and Materials
Police recovered a significant cache of matériel during the raids:
- 39 weapons
- 302 rounds of ammunition
- Detonators and cordtex wire
- Communication devices
- ₹13 lakh in cash
These recoveries underline the operational capacity of the detained members and the serious threat they posed.
Key Arrests: Leadership Blow
- Among those arrested were three special zonal committee members and several divisional committee leaders—a substantial blow to the organizational leadership of the Maoists.
- In Eluru district, 15 of the arrested include a highly skilled tech expert known for his proficiency in arms manufacturing and assembly. He is regarded as a “key asset” for the Maoists.
- The rest are linked to various area committees, suggesting an entrenched local network.
Judicial Process & Charges
- In Krishna district, 28 Maoists were remanded and are being transferred to Rajamahendravaram Central Jail, according to Krishna district SP Vidya Sagar Naidu.
- In Kakinada, two of the arrested were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act, confirmed to be area committee members.
- In Konaseema, the arrested were also booked under UAPA, the Arms Act, and the Andhra Pradesh Public Safety Act, according to district SP Rahul Meena.
Implications and Next Steps
- Leadership Disruption: The arrest of high-ranking members could disrupt Maoist command structures, especially in key regions.
- Intelligence Success: The operation underscores improved intelligence sharing and coordination among Andhra Pradesh’s security agencies.
- Future Threats: Despite the arrests, the recovery of arms and cash indicates that the insurgents still maintain financial and logistical strength.
- Investigation and Prosecution: Authorities now face the challenge of building strong legal cases. Verifying identities, establishing provenance of weapons, and linking cadres to specific actions will be critical.
- Containment Strategy: Continued operations may follow, especially to prevent leadership reconstitution or retaliation.
This crackdown represents a major achievement for Andhra Pradesh’s law enforcement in the fight against Naxalism. If sustained, it could significantly weaken the Maoist presence in the region — but much will depend on how quickly security agencies can prosecute these cases and dismantle remaining networks.
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