Amid a series of encounters with Maoists, focus on two most wanted

Deva and Hidma are the top two Maoist commanders, and, on January 16, they were cornered by security forces in South Bastar, but managed to escape

In the first 24 days this year, security forces in Chhattisgarh have killed at least 47 Maoists, but security forces engaged in an intense campaign against the insurgents ahead of the deadline of March 31, 2026, by when the home minister has vowed to end so-called Left Wing Extremism (LWE), are primary focused on two men, Barse Deva and Hidma.

Cracking down on Maoists has come at a cost — in 2024, at least 17 personnel and 60 civilians were killed by Maoists. Thus far this year, Maoists have killed at least nine security personnel. (File)

Deva and Hidma are the top two Maoist commanders, and, on January 16, they were cornered by security forces in