Koraput: In a significant breakthrough for anti-Maoist operations, Koraput Police today announced the arrest of Kunjam Hidma alias Mohan, a highly sought-after Maoist operative from Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. The apprehension followed a tense exchange of fire in the forests near Petguda village under Bypariguda police station.
Addressing a press conference at the Koraput Police Headquarters, SP Rohit Verma confirmed the arrest and displayed the seized arsenal, which included:
- One AK-47 rifle
- 35 rounds of ammunition
- 27 electric detonators
- 90 non-electric detonators
- 2 kg of gunpowder
- Maoist booklets and other incriminating materials.
SP Shri Verma recounted the operation, stating that late on the night of May 28, 2025, intelligence indicated Maoist activity in the Petguda forest area. A specialized team, spearheaded by SDPO Jeypore Partha Kashyap and supported by District Voluntary Force (DVF) personnel, promptly launched a raid.
“At the scene, the Maoists attempted to flee and opened fire on our DVF team,” SP Shri Verma stated. “Our DVF personnel retaliated in self-defense. While some Maoists managed to escape, the notorious Kunjam Hidma was successfully apprehended by the police.”
Hidma alias Mohan has a long and violent history, with direct involvement in several major Maoist incidents. These include:
- Chhattisgarh: Chandmeta (2021), Kolengdaba (2023)
- Odisha: Kondajhari (2020), Kumbhikhari (2021)
He also faces at least four cases at Bypariguda police station in Koraput district and three cases at Mathili police station in Malkangiri district. Additionally, intelligence suggests Hidma’s involvement in numerous other shooting incidents between Maoists and security forces.
The arrest of Kunjam Hidma is a significant blow to Maoist networks operating in the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border region, further weakening their operational capabilities and disrupting their plans.