Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, accused of orchestrating at least 26 violent attacks on security forces and civilians, was killed in a police encounter on Tuesday.

Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district saw intermittent gunfire between Naxals and security forces in a forested area under the Errabore police station limits, officials said.

The encounter began in the morning when a joint security team launched an anti-Naxal operation based on intelligence inputs regarding Maoist presence in the region, a police officer confirmed.

Addressing an event in Raipur, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said, “Various operations against Naxalites are underway. We urge those involved in extremism to return to the mainstream through the government’s rehabilitation schemes.”

In a separate incident in Andhra Pradesh, police and Maoists exchanged fire in Maredumilli, located in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. According to DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, the encounter occurred between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, resulting in the deaths of six Maoists, including a senior leader. A large-scale combing operation is currently ongoing in the area.

Earlier, officials confirmed that three Naxals, including two women, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district.

IG Bastar P. Sundarraj said the gunfight erupted on November 16 in the Kolmal Pat forest area under the Chintakonta police station limits. “Security forces engaged with Naxals from around 6 AM. After a prolonged exchange of fire, the bodies of three Naxals, including two women, were recovered during the search operation,” he stated.

“A 303 rifle, VGA launchers, and other arms and ammunition were also seized. The dead Naxals carried a collective bounty of Rs 15 lakhs. Search operations are still ongoing in the area. With the rapid pace at which we are conducting these operations, they have no option but to surrender,” Sundarraj further said, ANI reported.