Amid intensified counter-insurgency operations across India, security forces have dealt a significant blow to the Left Wing extremism (LWE) network with the killing of seven Maoist insurgents, including Thippiri Tirupati, widely known as Devji, a top-ranking commander of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The incidents occurred in the dense forests of Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh, following a series of targeted operations based on precise intelligence inputs.

Tuesday’s Operation: Six Maoists Neutralised

On Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh police and allied security forces launched a coordinated offensive in the Maredumilli forests, acting on intelligence that Maoist leaders had entered the area to reorganize their network amid growing anti-insurgency pressure in Chhattisgarh. The forces targeted a group led by Madvi Hidma, 50, a notorious Maoist central committee member and commander of the first battalion. Hidma, originally from Purvati village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, was known as one of the most feared Maoist operatives in India due to his operational expertise, interstate mobility, and ability to orchestrate complex ambushes.

The encounter resulted in the deaths of Hidma, his wife Madakam Raje, 44, and four other insurgents. Security forces recovered an arsenal of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, a revolver, a single-barrel firearm, ammunition, and kit bags, indicating the group’s preparedness for further violent activity. Several Maoists managed to escape the scene, prompting continued combing operations in the dense forest.

Wednesday’s Encounter: Devji and Six Others Killed

The following day, during continued operations and tracking of the fleeing insurgents, security forces engaged another group of seven Maoists in the Maredumilli forests. Among those killed is believed to be Thippiri Tirupati, alias Devji, who had recently assumed the role of general secretary of the CPI (Maoist) after the killing of Namballa Kesava Rao, alias Basavaraju, in May. Devji’s presence in Andhra Pradesh underscores the insurgents’ attempt to use the region as a base to revive organizational activities following sustained pressure in Chhattisgarh.

Andhra Pradesh’s Additional Director General (Intelligence), Mahesh Chandra Laddha, confirmed that the seven were killed in an exchange of fire with security personnel during a combing operation, though full details of the encounter were still being compiled. He added that surveillance remains in place to prevent further infiltration by Maoist cadres into Andhra Pradesh.

Maoist Infiltration and Security Measures

According to intelligence inputs, Maoist leaders have been attempting to shift their base from Chhattisgarh and Telangana into Andhra Pradesh, exploiting forested border regions to regroup. The Andhra Pradesh Police had intensified monitoring of interstate borders in anticipation of such movements. Laddha stated, “We have strengthened intelligence networks and are closely tracking their movements. We urge the remaining Maoists to surrender.”

The security operations in Maredumilli are part of a larger nationwide strategy targeting Maoist strongholds, particularly in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Over the past year, security forces have neutralized at least 270 Maoists, arrested 680, including top leaders, and secured the surrender of approximately 1,225 insurgents. The Union government has set a March 31, 2026 deadline for ending Left-Wing extremism in India, and the number of LWE-affected districts has declined from 18 in April to 11.

Profile of Devji and Hidma

Devji, as the general secretary of the CPI (Maoist), occupied a central role in strategic planning, coordination of cadres, and operational execution. He succeeded Basavaraju and was believed to be orchestrating activities across multiple states. The elimination of Devji is expected to disrupt Maoist networks temporarily, but security officials caution that the group could attempt to regroup under new leadership.

Madvi Hidma, another key figure neutralized in these operations, was infamous for his operational acumen and ability to maintain layered security rings in the forests of Sukma and Bijapur districts. Over two decades, he masterminded some of the deadliest ambushes against security forces in Chhattisgarh. Hidma’s knowledge of the terrain, ability to mobilize armed squads across state borders, and deep-rooted connections within the Maoist organization made him one of India’s most wanted insurgent leaders.

Arrests and Disruption of Maoist Networks

Alongside the encounters, 31 individuals linked to Maoist networks were arrested in Andhra Pradesh. Among those detained were nine security guards associated with Devji, while the others belonged to battalions of the South Bastar Zonal Committee, seeking refuge in Andhra Pradesh to regroup. These arrests are part of a coordinated effort to dismantle the logistical and operational infrastructure of the insurgency.

The apprehension of these operatives, coupled with the elimination of top leaders, reflects a multi-pronged counter-insurgency strategy. Security forces continue to comb forested areas, using intelligence, technology, and coordinated operations to track remaining Maoists and prevent further regrouping.

Impact on Left-Wing Extremism

The death of senior Maoist leaders in Andhra Pradesh marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing battle against left-wing extremism. It not only weakens the organizational command but also sends a strong deterrent message to other cadres operating in the hinterlands. Analysts believe that such operations, combined with political engagement, development initiatives, and surrender policies, can reduce insurgent influence in the region over time.

Experts note that the insurgents’ attempt to infiltrate Andhra Pradesh illustrates the adaptability and persistence of the Maoist movement. They continue to exploit forested border areas, inter-state connectivity, and local socio-economic grievances to regroup and sustain their activities. Strengthened intelligence networks, close surveillance, and coordination between state and central security forces remain critical to countering these threats effectively.

Conclusion

The targeted operations in Maredumilli, resulting in the deaths of Devji, Hidma, and other insurgents, demonstrate the capabilities and persistence of India’s security forces in combating left-wing extremism. By combining real-time intelligence, inter-state cooperation, and focused combing operations in dense forest areas, authorities have managed to neutralize key threats while disrupting organizational structures.

While the Maoist insurgency has suffered a major setback, officials caution against complacency. Remaining cadres continue to pose risks, and long-term strategies involving development, rehabilitation, and community engagement are necessary to consolidate gains against LWE. The elimination of top leaders like Devji and Hidma, coupled with sustained operations across affected states, brings India closer to its objective of eradicating left-wing extremism, with the Union government’s target set for March 2026.