Senior Maoist commander and central committee member Mandvi Hidma has reportedly been appointed as secretary of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKZC), one of the most influential bodies of the banned CPI (Maoist). Hidma is the first resident of the Bastar region to head the committee, an area where Maoists still retain some influence.
The appointment was revealed by Kamlesh, a surrendered Maoist cadre and former member of the South Zonal Committee, during interrogation by Andhra Pradesh police. Kamlesh, who had escaped the Thulthuli encounter in October 2024 in which 38 Maoists were killed, surrendered in July along with his wife, Medaka, former in-charge of the Mobile Academic Political Organisation School of East Bastar.
Previously, the DKZC secretary post was held by Ramchandra Reddy alias Srinivas, who is now reportedly inactive due to health issues. The Maoists chose to appoint military commander Hidma over senior Telugu cadre Takkallapally Vasudeva Rao alias Ashanna, highlighting potential divisions within the organization as local Koya cadres appeared reluctant to accept leadership from Telugu seniors.
Ashanna was long considered a politically sharp leader with experience in guerrilla operations, while Hidma&rsquo;s expertise primarily lies in military operations in South Bastar. Recent intelligence also points to a potential leadership change at the central level following the death of general secretary Basavaraju in May, with senior leader Devji (Thippiri Tirupati) likely taking charge, although there has been no official confirmation.
Devji, from Telangana, is a senior Central Committee member and head of the Central Military Commission. Known for forming the PLGA&rsquo;s first armed platoon and participating in high-profile attacks, he remains one of the most wanted Maoist leaders in the country with a bounty of ₹1 crore.
Reports suggest that internal conflicts persist both at the DKZC and central levels, with rival leaders like Sonu also seeking control. The outfit has suffered significant setbacks, leaving it fragmented and struggling to maintain cohesion.
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Maoist commander Mandvi Hidma takes over DKZC amid infighting and leadership uncertainty

Mandvi Hidma Appointed DKZC Secretary

Maoist commander Mandvi Hidma takes over DKZC amid infighting and leadership uncertainty

September 8, 2025 | 15:13 IST