Security Forces' Crackdown on Naxals in Chhattisgarh:
Naxalism poses a serious threat in several Indian states, particularly Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra. In recent years, security forces have conducted successful operations against Naxals, resulting in the elimination or surrender of many key commanders.
On May 21, 2025, a significant encounter in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district brought down Naxalite leader Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basvaraj, who had a colossal 10 crore rupee bounty on his head. Despite this triumph, other notorious figures like Madvi Hidma remain elusive, posing ongoing challenges to security forces. Let's delve into the tales of these most wanted Naxalites remaining on the run.
Who was Basvaraj?
Nambala Keshav Rao, known as Basvaraj, was a top commander and the General Secretary of CPI (Maoist). Born in a middle-class Kalinga community in Jiyanapetta village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, Basvaraj was a promising student who completed his engineering from National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His college years saw him drawn to radical student unions, leading to a shift from academia to revolutionary pursuits.
In 1979, during a clash linked to the RSS, a student was killed, and Basvaraj faced arrest. Upon release on bail, he adopted an underground lifestyle, evolving into a key figure in organized rebellion.
Basvaraj's Role in the Maoist Organization
Joining the People's War Group in the 1980s, Basvaraj became a pivotal military strategist for armed tribal and farmer movements along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Under his plans, CPI (Maoist) intensified its armed operations, with Basvaraj emerging as a foundational leader orchestrating nationwide Maoist activity.
The Impact of Basvaraj's Demise
The encounter that led to Basvaraj's death on May 21, 2025, marked a significant blow to the Maoist network. Government sources claim a rising trend of surrenders among Naxalites in states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra (Gadchiroli), and Jharkhand suggests a shifted tide. The government is slowly reclaiming control over previously Naxalite-dominated areas, signaling a strategic victory for India's efforts to curb insurgency.
Madvi Hidma (Madvi Hidma)
Known in the Naxal circles as Hidmanna, Hidmalu, or Santosh, Madvi Hidma hails from Puvarti village, Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. He commands Battalion Number-1 of CPI (Maoist)'s People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and is considered a mastermind behind several major Naxalite strikes in the Bastar region.
Allegations:
Hidma is accused of orchestrating several deadly attacks, including the 2013 Jhiram Valley incident where 33 were killed, and assaults in 2010 Dantewada and 2017 Burkapal, with additional claims tied to a 2021 Bijapur attack resulting in 22 fatalities.
Rewards:
The Chhattisgarh government has placed a 45 lakh rupee bounty on Hidma, with the National Investigation Agency offering an additional 25 lakh rupees. Different agencies estimate the total bounty could reach up to 1 crore rupees.
Current Situation:
Under increased security scrutiny, Hidma is reportedly ousted from the Maoists' Central Committee. Despite changing his hideout, he remains a key target for the forces.
Security operations continue to target other commanders across Naxal-affected regions in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, where insurgent activities persist.
Chhattisgarh's Most Wanted Naxalites
Sujata (Sujata)
Sujata, a major female Naxal commander, was implicated alongside Hidma in the 2021 Bijapur attack. A key figure in the insurgency, she commands an active role with a 25 lakh rupee bounty on her, yet she remains elusive to security forces.
Mucchaki Joga and Mucchaki Jogi
Active as deputy commander and member in the Maoists' Mad division PLGA company number 1, Mucchaki Joga and his spouse Mucchaki Jogi are on the wanted list with 8 lakh rupees on each. They surrendered in 2025 in Sukma.
Kikid Deve and Manoj (Doodi Bhudhra)
These area committee members, involved in numerous attacks, each had a 2 lakh rupee reward. They, too, surrendered in Sukma in 2025.
Jharkhand's Most Wanted Naxalites
Though their numbers have dwindled, some significant figures remain active. In its latest release, the Jharkhand government listed 61 prize-bearing insurgents.
Ashim Mandal alias Akash alias Timir
Allegedly the architect of Eastern Singhbhum's turmoil, Ashim Mandal remains a fugitive with a 1 crore rupee bounty, staying active within the Kolhan area.
Patiram Manjhi alias Toofan
Part of the Central Committee, Toofan is involved in Kolhan's insurgency, with a significant bounty matching his notoriety. Though a prime target, searches continue for his apprehension.
Misir Besra alias Bhaskar alias Sunermal alias Sagar
Known under several aliases, this Naxal Committee member's nefarious activities earned him a 1 crore rupee reward, yet he manages to evade capture.
Abhijit Yadav and Godrai Yadav
These zonal commanders remain at large in Palamu, securing 10 lakh rupees each as rewards.
Ravindra Mehta alias Chhota Vyas
This Naxalite operates in Palamu, holding membership in the Maoist organization, with a 5 lakh rupee bounty marking his activities.
In addition to these high-profile Naxals, Jharkhand is home to others like Anuj, Brajesh Singh Ganjhu, Lalachand Hembram alias Anmol Da, Raghunath Hembram alias Nirbhay Ji, and Ajay alias Tiger. Each one has a 25 lakh rupee bounty and remains at large, prompting intensified searches in the Saranda forests.
Security Forces' Offensive Against Naxalites
In Chhattisgarh
, 2025 saw extensive operations against Naxalites. On May 21, 2025, an encounter in Narayanpur resulted in 27 Naxalite deaths, including top figures like Basvaraj, while operations in Bijapur and Kanker saw further arrests and surrenders.
In Jharkhand
, from 2021 to 2025, substantial arrests and campaigns in Saranda forests aim to eradicate insurgency by 2026.
In Maharashtra
, a May 2025 operation in Gadchiroli led to arrests with a total 36 lakh rupees reward on various Naxals.
Figures like Madvi Hidma, with bounties ranging humorously from 45 lakh to 1 crore rupees, and Jharkhand's suspects like Ashim Mandal, Patiram Manjhi, and Misir Besra, are under heightened security focus. Comprehensive efforts persist to address the challenge, striving for a Naxal-free landscape by 2026 despite the illicit activities and strategic concealment within forest territories.
