Maoists Allege Leader Hidma Was Betrayed by Informers, Resulting in Death
The Dandakaranya special zonal committee of the CPI (Maoist) has released a statement accusing contractors acting as police informers of setting a trap for their top leader, Madvi Hidma. The Maoists claim this led to Hidma's arrest, torture, and subsequent killing in what they allege was a staged encounter.
Demands for Investigation
The Maoist group is demanding a judicial inquiry into the deaths of Hidma at Maredumilli and Shankar at Rampachodavaram in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district. They reject claims made by former MLA Manish Kunjam and activist Soni Sori, dismissing their remarks as "baseless."
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to Maoist spokesperson Vikalp, Hidma, a central committee member and DKSZC secretary, was allegedly arrested with five others on November 15th by Andhra Pradesh police. The committee alleges they were "severely tortured" for three days before being killed on November 18th. Police reports state that the deaths occurred during an exchange of fire in the Maredumilli forest.
The statement claims that Hidma traveled to Vijayawada on October 27th for medical treatment with the assistance of a timber trader and was later joined by others.
Rejection of Police Claims
The committee also refuted police claims that seven Maoists were killed in an encounter in Rampachodavaram on November 19th.
They allege that Shankar, a member of the Andhra-Odisha Border SZC, and six others were unarmed and had been arrested earlier before being killed in a "fake encounter." The statement asserts that individuals accompanying both Hidma and Shankar "turned out to be police informers."
Informers and Tip-Offs
The committee stated that a party member named Kosal deserted the ranks on November 9th and surrendered to Telangana police. They allege that Kosal was aware of Hidma's travel plans and tipped off the police after his desertion. Despite warnings from other cadres, the committee claims Hidma's movements were leaked by those accompanying him, leading to the arrests and killings. They further allege that the same informers helped police arrest Shankar and his team.
Contractors Implicated
The statement further implicates a Vijayawada timber trader, a builder-contractor, and another contractor from the ASR district, alleging they provided crucial information that led to the arrest of 50 Maoists across several districts.
Coordinated Operation Alleged
The Maoist committee alleges that intelligence agencies of the Centre and five states were aware of all developments and described the series of encounters and arrests as part of a coordinated joint operation.
Demand for Retraction
Finally, the committee has asked activist Soni Sori to withdraw her statement regarding the incidents.
