Andhra Pradesh | November 19, 2025

Security forces in Andhra Pradesh are believed to have killed top Maoist leader Thippiri Tirupati, also known as Devji, along with six other insurgents during an encounter in the Maredumilli forests on Wednesday. This operation took place just a day after forces killed another central committee member, Madvi Hidma, his wife, and four others in the same region. These back-to-back encounters mark one of the strongest blows dealt to Maoist groups in recent years.

According to senior officials, the latest encounter happened while forces were conducting combing operations after Tuesday’s heavy gun battle. While full details from the ground are still being collected, officials said the seven Maoists were killed during a fresh exchange of fire. Devji, who became the Maoists’ general secretary earlier this year after Basavaraju was killed, is suspected to be among them. Security forces are still verifying the identities.

The Maoists had been attempting to enter Andhra Pradesh from Chhattisgarh as pressure increased on them in their traditional strongholds. Over the past year, security forces across several states have intensified operations, killing at least 270 Maoists, arresting hundreds, and encouraging more than a thousand to surrender. The Union government has set March 2026 as the deadline to end the insurgency completely.

Hidma, who was killed on Tuesday, was considered one of the most dangerous Maoist commanders. His deep knowledge of the forests and ability to lead cross-border operations made him a major threat for decades. His death, followed by Wednesday’s encounter, is seen as a huge setback for the insurgent movement.

Based on recent intelligence, top Maoist leaders had entered the Maredumilli area to rebuild their network. Acting on this information, forces launched a targeted operation that resulted in the two-day encounters. Multiple weapons, ammunition, and Maoist kit bags were recovered at the scene.

Authorities also arrested 31 people linked to Maoist activities, including nine personal security guards of Devji. Others were members of different Maoist battalions trying to regroup in Andhra Pradesh. While some insurgents managed to escape during Tuesday’s gunfight, special teams have been deployed to track them down.

Police officials said all the Maoists killed in these operations were from Chhattisgarh. They added that Maoist groups have been trying to cross into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but intelligence networks and surveillance have been tightened. Officials urged remaining members to surrender and assured that the operations would continue until the insurgency is completely eliminated.

 Top Maoist Leader Devji Suspected Among Seven Insurgents Killed in Andhra Pradesh Operation

Security forces in Andhra Pradesh carried out a major operation in the Maredumilli forests, where seven Maoists were killed. Officials believe one of them is Devji, a top Maoist leader who recently became the general secretary of the group. This action took place just one day after forces killed another senior leader, Madvi Hidma, along with his wife and four others. These two encounters in two days are seen as a big setback for the Maoist movement.

The forces were already searching the forest after Tuesday’s encounter when they came under attack again, leading to the deaths of the seven Maoists. Weapons, ammunition, and Maoist equipment were found at the site. Police also arrested 31 people connected to Maoist groups, including several personal guards of Devji.

Officials say Maoists have been trying to move into Andhra Pradesh from Chhattisgarh because of heavy pressure in their usual bases. Security forces have increased surveillance and are closely watching their movements. Many Maoists have been killed or arrested across several states in the past year, and the government has set a target to end the insurgency by March 2026. Authorities have urged remaining members to surrender.