Miles away from the dense forests where Madvi Hidma, the Maoist commander, once held sway, another Hidma is preparing to take aim, but not at security forces. Muchaki Hidma, a former Maoist from Sukma district who surrendered this year, is now aiming at a straw target as he gears up to participate in the Bastar Olympics.
Muchaki Hidma is a part of 'Nuvabaat,' which means "new path," a team comprising former Maoists and victims of insurgency who have either surrendered or lost loved ones to violence. Over 700 surrendered Maoists and victims of violence are expected to participate in the Bastar Olympics across various disciplines, including athletics, kabaddi, kho-kho, archery, and traditional games.
Madvi Hidma, born in 1981, was a prominent Naxalite leader and a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). He was allegedly responsible for numerous attacks on security forces in Chhattisgarh, including the 2013 Naxal attack in Darbha valley. He was also on the National Investigation Agency's list of most wanted criminals and had a bounty of over ₹1 crore on his head. Security forces killed Madvi Hidma on November 18, 2025, in an encounter in the Maredumilli forest area of Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh.
The death of Madvi Hidma is considered a significant blow to the Left-wing insurgency in recent years. He was allegedly involved in more than 26 major Naxal attacks and was known for his mastery of guerrilla tactics. Some officials believe that his death may accelerate the decline of the Maoist movement across central India.
Meanwhile, back at the Indira Priyadarshini Stadium in Jagdalpur, Muchaki Hidma is practicing archery. He expressed a sense of freedom, no longer needing to hide or chase human targets with guns. Muchaki Hidma recounted his past, stating that he joined the Naxals due to limited resources and the promise of a better life. However, he grew disillusioned with the violence and eventually surrendered.
The Bastar Olympics, a month-long sports carnival, covers the seven Maoist-affected districts of Chhattisgarh's Bastar division. The event aims to promote peace and rehabilitation in the region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the concluding day of the Bastar Olympics in Jagdalpur.
In a separate incident, a tribal resident of Gujarat's Chhotaudepur district was arrested for allegedly posting an Instagram reel that praised Madvi Hidma as a "freedom fighter". The accused, Paresh Rathwa, was booked for offenses linked to threatening the country's sovereignty and disturbing public harmony. The police stated that the post could incite discord among different groups within the country. This incident highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the legacy of Naxal leaders like Madvi Hidma.
As Muchaki Hidma prepares to take aim at the straw target, he represents a new chapter in the story of Bastar, one where former insurgents are given a chance to find a new path and contribute to building a more peaceful future.
