Amaravati: Maredumilli Shadows: Another Maoist Encounter
Fresh Clash Claims Seven Lives
Security forces clashed with Maoists in the dense Maredumilli forest of Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district early Wednesday, resulting in seven rebel deaths. This came just a day after a major operation eliminated top commander Madvi Hidma and five others in the same area.
The firefight unfolded around dawn, catching a group attempting to regroup amid ongoing sweeps. Bodies were shifted to Rampachodavaram area hospital for checks, as teams pressed on with searches through the rugged terrain.
Identities Emerge from the Fallen
Among the dead were three women and four men, all hailing from Chhattisgarh, police sources noted. Key figures included Jogarao alias Tech Shankar, Seeta alias Jyoti, Suresh, Ganesh, Vasu, Anita, and Shammi.
These cadres belonged to Maoist units pushed southward by crackdowns in their home state. Their push into Andhra aimed at safe havens, but intelligence tipped off the forces just in time.
Intelligence Chief Weighs In
Andhra Pradesh’s Additional Director General of Intelligence, Maheshchandra Ladha, confirmed the encounter during a Vijayawada media briefing. He urged remaining Maoists to lay down arms, stressing that surrender offers a path forward.
Ladha detailed a broader strategy: Maoists from Chhattisgarh and Telangana have been probing Andhra borders for weeks. A November 17 operation launched targeted sweeps, yielding Tuesday’s Hidma takedown.
Sweeps and Seizures Intensify
- Arrests Across Districts: Over 50 detentions in NTR, Krishna, Eluru, Kakinada, and Konaseema areas, including three Special Zonal Committee members, 23 platoon cadres, five divisional committee members, and 19 area committee affiliates.
- Seized Goods: Heavy weapons, explosives, and gear recovered, ensuring no civilian risks during raids.
- Post-Encounter Chase: Fleeing suspects from earlier clashes remain targets, with joint teams fanning out.
These moves reflect a coordinated push to seal infiltration routes, Ladha added.
Dispelling Rumors on Hidma
On whispers of a letter from Hidma to journalists or claims of custody before death, Ladha was firm. The leader fell squarely in the exchange of fire, with no evidence of foul play.
Efforts continue to probe Maoist plans in Kanuru and beyond. Officials expect more surrenders soon, as arrests erode their networks.
A Turning Tide?
Chhattisgarh’s rising assaults have scattered cadres, funneling them into neighboring zones where vigilant patrols await. This dual blow in Maredumilli signals eroding Maoist footholds, yet the forests hold more secrets. Will the remnants fade or fight on?