Encounter continues in Andhra Pradesh; seven Maoists including three women killed

AMARAVATI: Seven Maoists, including three women, were killed in an encounter in Maredumilli in Andhra Pradesh. It was Andhra Pradesh Intelligence ADG Mahesh Chandra Laddha who announced this.

One of the deceased has been identified as Shankar (Methuri Jokha Rao), a native of Srikakulam. Efforts are underway to identify the others. Shankar was active mainly in the Andhra-Odisha border region and was known for his expertise in making weapons.

In yesterday’s encounter, security forces had killed senior Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, also known as Santhosh ( 44), who carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head. Hidma was involved in 26 attacks against civilians and security forces. His main targets were CRPF personnel taking part in anti-Maoist operations.

In an earlier encounter, Hidma’s wife, Madakam Raje, head of the Maoist Mobile Political School, was among five Maoists killed by security forces. Based on intelligence received after that operation, today’s search led to the killing of seven more Maoists.

Officials also stated that around 50 Maoists have been arrested from different districts, marking the largest such arrest in Andhra Pradesh’s history. The central government has announced that the country will be made free of Maoist activities by next March.