After Hidma Encounter, Octopus Launches Sweeping Raids Across Andhra; 31 Maoists, Sympathisers Arrested

Hidma Encounter insurgency sweep unfolded across Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, as the elite Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (Octopus) arrested 31 suspected Maoists and sympathisers in coordinated raids carried out just hours after the dramatic encounter that killed top CPI (Maoist) commander Madvi Hidma.

Hidma Encounter Sets Off Statewide Crackdown

The trigger for the crackdown was the fierce early-morning gunfight in the Maredumilli forest region of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, where security forces killed six Maoists, including Hidma — one of the most feared leaders of the outlawed CPI (Maoist).

Hidma, wanted for orchestrating major attacks across Chhattisgarh, was believed to be regrouping in the Andhra–Odisha border region. Police officials said the encounter sent panic through Maoist ranks, prompting scattered cadres to flee into Andhra Pradesh.

Raids Across Urban Centres

Hours after the encounter, Octopus teams conducted surprise raids in Vijayawada, NTR district, and Krishna district, picking up individuals believed to be Maoist operatives or part of the insurgency’s extended support network.

Details of the Arrests

• Of the 31 arrested, nine were reportedly former personal security guards of Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji, the General Secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist). The Indian Express
• Many of those held are believed to have disguised themselves as migrant labourers, according to the police. NewsBytes+1
• During searches, authorities seized weapons, diaries, and notebooks, which could contain critical intelligence, including contacts and hideout locations. ABP Desam+1

Seizures and Intelligence Leads

Though no weapons were found during the raids, police recovered:

• diaries
• notebooks
• contact numbers of supporters
• travel details

These materials are now being analysed for leads on Maoist movement and safehouses across Andhra. Officials described the seizures as “significant intelligence assets.”

Maoists Under Pressure After Hidma’s Death

Security forces believe Hidma’s killing has caused major disruptions in the Maoist command structure, forcing mid-level operatives to flee traditional strongholds in Chhattisgarh. Officials say the group may now be experimenting with “urban camouflage” tactics — embedding members within migrant communities to escape surveillance.

“Intense pressure on Maoists in Chhattisgarh is pushing cadres to cross into Andhra Pradesh,” senior police sources noted, adding that several groups had been attempting to set up temporary bases in urban clusters.

Human Rights Concerns Surface

Civil rights organisations, however, have voiced concerns over the scale and speed of the arrests. Rights groups have previously accused Andhra Pradesh police of staging or misidentifying Maoist encounters and have demanded safeguards during large-scale operations.

Legal observers warn that profiling migrant communities could lead to wrongful detentions and harassment, especially given the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of daily-wage labourers.

What the Crackdown Means

Security analysts say the operation marks one of the most aggressive counter-insurgency actions in recent years in Andhra Pradesh. The dual developments — Hidma’s death and the Octopus sweeps — may significantly weaken Maoist logistical and recruitment networks in the region.

However, they also caution that the insurgency has historically adapted to setbacks, often re-emerging with changed strategies.

For now, the Andhra Police remain on high alert, with additional combing operations and surveillance expected along the Andhra–Odisha and Andhra–Chhattisgarh borders in the coming days.

Concerns and Reactions

While the operation is being lauded by many in law enforcement, civil rights groups have already expressed worry over potential overreach. Previous incidents involving Maoist encounters in Andhra Pradesh have drawn accusations of fake or staged encounters, prompting calls for independent scrutiny. The News Minute

Some of the arrested are reportedly under interrogation, and their statements could shed light on whether this is part of a larger exodus or a coordinated attempt to re-establish Maoist networks in urban Andhra. ABP Desam

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