Slogans praising slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma surfaced during a protest at Delhi’s India Gate on Sunday, as a public demonstration against the capital’s toxic air descended into violence. Protesters were heard shouting “Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe” (Long Live Madvi Hidma), and posters bearing his name and image were displayed minutes before clashes erupted.
One protester was seen holding a banner reading: “From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on.”
Delhi Police said it would take strict action against those who raised pro-Maoist slogans.
“Those who raised such slogans at India Gate will be identified, and legal action will be taken. A case will be filed,” police officials stated.
Who Was Madvi Hidma?
Madvi Hidma, a senior CPI (Maoist) leader linked to at least 26 violent attacks on security forces and civilians, was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh on November 18. Born in Sukma in 1981, Hidma rose to serve as a battalion commander in the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army and later became the youngest member of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee the outfit’s highest decision-making body.
He was also the only tribal leader from the Bastar region on the panel and carried a reward of ₹50 lakh.
Hidma is believed to have masterminded several major attacks, including:
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The 2010 Dantewada massacre in which 76 CRPF personnel were killed
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The 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush that claimed 27 lives, including senior Congress leaders
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The 2021 Sukma-Bijapur encounter, where 22 security personnel were killed
Protest Over Air Pollution Turns Chaotic
Thousands had gathered at India Gate to protest the capital’s hazardous air quality levels. The demonstration remained peaceful initially but quickly escalated after some protesters attempted to break police barricades. Officials said several demonstrators forced their way into the C-hexagon area, obstructing ambulances and medical staff.
“When police teams tried to remove them, some protesters attacked personnel with chilli spray,” an official said. Three to four police officers were injured and are being treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
Police said 15 people have been arrested so far, and a case has been filed on charges related to obstructing public servants and causing disturbance. Authorities are continuing to examine footage from the site to identify individuals involved in both the violence and the pro-Maoist sloganeering.
