Security forces killed seven Maoists in a fierce encounter at Maredumilli in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on Wednesday, just a day after they eliminated top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma.
Police confirmed that three women were among those killed. Meanwhile, officials began the identification process and quickly recognized one of the deceased as Meturi Jokha Rao, also known as Tech Shankar. Shankar, a native of Srikakulam, served as an Area Committee Member (ACM) for the Andhra–Odisha Border (AOB) region. Moreover, he specialized in technical operations, arms manufacturing, and communication.
At a press conference in Vijayawada, AP Intelligence ADG Mahesh Chandra Laddha explained that Wednesday’s encounter continued Tuesday’s operation against Hidma. Consequently, intelligence inputs guided the forces to Maoist hideouts in the forest region, which triggered the exchange of fire.
Additionally, security forces arrested 50 Maoists across NTR, Krishna, Kakinada, Konaseema, and Eluru districts. This marked the largest such arrest in Andhra Pradesh’s history. They also recovered 45 weapons, 272 rounds, two magazines, 750 grams of wire, and other materials.
Furthermore, police revealed that the Maoist movement from Chhattisgarh had been under surveillance for weeks. As a result, they launched the latest operation after monitoring activities and hideouts. Officials expect more details from the Maredumilli operation as verification continues.
Ultimately, the twin encounters—Hidma’s elimination followed by Wednesday’s deaths—demonstrate intensified action against Maoist groups in Andhra Pradesh.
