Nagpur: At least 54 viral propaganda songs and videos glorifying slain Maoist commander Hidma were removed from YouTube and other social media platforms this week after an SOS from Maharashtra’s Anti-Naxal Operations (ANO) unit to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).After Hidma was eliminated by security forces in November last year, Maoist sympathisers took social media by storm by uploading content to project him as a tribal hero who fought for their cause.The coordinated action between Maharashtra’s anti-Maoist apparatus and CERT-In is being seen as a strong message against digital radicalisation in Naxalite-hit regions. The operation was led by IG Sandeep Patil of Anti-Naxal Operations in coordination with the state intelligence department as part of the intelligence-based exercises.The viral content extolling Hidma as the tribal warlord had created ripples in Bastar, Kanker, Gadchiroli and surrounding areas, forcing ANO to act against the propaganda machinery, said top sources. Earlier, multiple police cases were slapped against those promoting the songs. In Pune, an offence was registered against students for playing and praising Hidma songs on the campus.Similarly, in Gadchiroli’s Etapalli taluka, five people were booked for playing Hidma songs during a wedding. Similar incidents were also reported near India Gate in Delhi.IG Patil stated that projecting Hidma as a hero was wrong. He pointed out that Hidma-led guerrillas were responsible for killing nearly 6,000 innocent tribals in Bastar, Kanker, Gadchiroli and nearby districts. “Hidma misguided tribals to believe in a banned ideology and pick up arms against security forces. Brainwashed tribal youths ended up behind bars or got neutralised,” said Patil.
