Andhra Pradesh Police Launch Major Crackdown, Arrest 50 Maoists in Coordinated Operation
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In a significant blow to the Maoist network, Andhra Pradesh police have arrested at least 50 cadres across five districts in a coordinated operation. The crackdown comes a day after the killing of top naxal commander M Hidma in an encounter on November 18. According to ADGP Intelligence Mahesh Chandra Laddha, the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted special zonal committee members, divisional committee members, area committee members, and regular cadres operating in the south Bastar–Dandakaranya region. The arrested cadres include a tech expert from the Special Zonal Committee who is proficient in arms manufacturing and assembly, and is considered a key asset to the Maoist ranks. Police also recovered 39 weapons, 302 rounds of ammunition, detonators, cordtex wire, communication devices, and ₹13 lakh in cash during searches. The operation, which covered Krishna, Eluru, NTR, Kakinada, and Konaseema districts, involved personnel from the State Intelligence Department, Special Investigation Branch (SIB), district police units, and the Vijayawada Commissionerate. The police have remanded 45 of the arrested cadres to judicial custody for 14 days, while two Maoists arrested in Kakinada were sent to remand with Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Arms Act charges invoked. The arrested individuals have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days and charged under multiple sections, including UAPA and Public Safety provisions. This operation is one of the most extensive anti-Maoist operations in recent years, and marks a significant leadership setback for the Maoist network. Police officials have praised the operation for its precision and the fact that no civilians were harmed during the crackdown.
