Overview
- Authorities confirmed six dead at the Maredumilli encounter site near the Andhra–Odisha–Chhattisgarh tri‑junction, identifying Madvi Hidma, his wife Madakam Raje and four cadres, with bodies sent for post‑mortem.
- Police said they seized two AK‑47 rifles, a pistol, a revolver, a single‑barrel weapon and explosive components including electrical and non‑electrical detonators, while combing operations continue for those who fled.
- Follow‑up actions expanded statewide, with Andhra Pradesh officials first reporting 31 arrests linked to Maoist networks and later stating about 50 arrests and seven additional Maoists neutralised on November 19.
- Hidma was a CPI (Maoist) Central Committee member and PLGA Battalion No. 1 commander accused in major attacks including the 2010 Dantewada ambush and the 2013 Jhiram Ghati assault, and carried rewards reported at up to ₹1 crore.
- Officials framed the killing as a major setback to the Maoist movement and noted it came before a November 30 operational target, as the government pursues its goal of ending left‑wing extremism by March 31, 2026, even as past cases have prompted calls for independent verification.