Delhi Air Pollution Protest Turns Controversial Over Maoist Madvi Hidma Posters

Maoist Madvi Hidma Posters at Delhi Air Pollution Protest Spark Outrage; 15 Arrested for Assaulting Police

New Delhi:
A protest over Delhi’s worsening air pollution at India Gate on Sunday evening took a controversial turn when demonstrators displayed posters of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in a police encounter in Andhra Pradesh last week. The appearance of Hidma’s image, accompanied by slogans allegedly praising him, has triggered a political firestorm and prompted police action.

Posters of Madvi Hidma Shock Protesters and Authorities

Videos circulating widely on social media show protesters near the C-Hexagon area raising slogans against Delhi’s toxic air. One demonstrator is seen holding a poster featuring a sketch of Madvi Hidma, one of India’s most wanted Maoist leaders, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore.

Hidma, the commander of CPI (Maoist)’s deadly Battalion 1, orchestrated several major Naxal attacks, including the 2017 Burkapal ambush, the 2010 Chintalnar attack, and multiple strikes on security forces across Bastar. He was killed in an encounter with Andhra Pradesh Police on November 18 in Alluri Sitaramaraju district.

Authorities have expressed confusion over why his poster appeared at a protest focused on Delhi’s air crisis, prompting political and law enforcement scrutiny.

Clashes Break Out; 15 Arrested

The demonstration, organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air, aimed to highlight hazardous pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. Tensions escalated when protesters blocked traffic and allegedly sprayed chilli powder on police officers attempting to disperse them.

According to police, several protesters refused to vacate the site, broke barricades, and sat on the road, obstructing emergency vehicles. Three to four officers sustained eye and facial injuries and were treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. In total, 15 protesters have been arrested for assaulting government officials.

Political Reactions: ‘New Face of Extremism’

Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra condemned the display of Hidma’s posters, calling it evidence of extremist infiltration under the guise of environmental activism.

“Posters in hand under the guise of pollution, Red Salute slogans on their lips… the new face of jihadis and Naxalites posing as social activists,” he tweeted.

Police are investigating how Hidma’s posters surfaced during the protest and whether there was an organized attempt to spread extremist messaging.

Madvi Hidma: The Shadowy Maoist Commander

Madvi Hidma, believed to be in his mid-40s, operated from the dense Sukma forests and was regarded as one of the most ruthless and tactically skilled Maoist commanders in India. He repeatedly orchestrated high-casualty ambushes against CRPF and police units, escaped multiple intelligence-led operations, led the CPI (Maoist)’s South Bastar operations wing, and trained new guerrilla recruits. His death last week is considered a major success for anti-Naxal forces.

Protest Hijacked by Controversy

The protest was intended to address Delhi’s “toxic air emergency,” with the AQI reaching the severe category in several areas. Organisers criticised authorities for relying on cosmetic measures such as water sprinklers and cloud seeding.

However, the sudden appearance of Hidma’s poster and the violent clash with police overshadowed the environmental message, raising concerns about potential extremist involvement.

Investigation Underway

Delhi Police DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections covering assault on police, road blockades, and the display of the controversial posters. CCTV footage, social media videos, and the backgrounds of those arrested are being examined, with more arrests expected.

The incident has heightened concerns over political infiltration, security risks, and the misuse of civic protests in the capital.