AMARAVATI: Seven Maoists, including three women, were killed in an encounter in Maredumilli in Andhra Pradesh. It was Andhra Pradesh Intelligence ADG Mahesh Chandra Laddha who announced this.

One of the deceased has been identified as Shankar (Methuri Jokha Rao), a native of Srikakulam. Efforts are underway to identify the others. Shankar was active mainly in the Andhra-Odisha border region and was known for his expertise in making weapons.

In yesterday’s encounter, security forces had killed senior Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, also known as Santhosh ( 44), who carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head. Hidma was involved in 26 attacks against civilians and security forces. His main targets were CRPF personnel taking part in anti-Maoist operations.

In an earlier encounter, Hidma’s wife,

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