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Woman tribal leader dies after years of involvement in Maoist movement

By Harsh Thakor* 
Senior Maoist leader Motibai, widely known as Radhakka, died at the age of 65 on Monday evening, August 31, 2026, while undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital in Adilabad, Telangana. She had reportedly been suffering from a prolonged illness and had undergone regular dialysis in recent months. Her death was attributed to kidney failure.
Radhakka was an Adivasi from Adilabad district and was a native of Pippaldhari village in Adilabad mandal. She was the partner of Pulluri Prasad Rao, also known as Chandranna, a former Central Committee member of the Maoist party.
Radhakka became a prominent female member of the People's War movement in the region during the period when the organisation was active in Telangana. She served on a district committee and was involved in the organisation's activities in the region.
She was arrested in 2013 after emerging from underground activity to seek medical treatment. She remained in prison for approximately two years and was released in 2015, reportedly because of her deteriorating health. Following her release, she remained above ground and continued to receive medical treatment.
According to accounts of the Maoist movement, the organisation faced intensified state repression and political and organisational setbacks in Telangana during this period. The party subsequently adopted measures to relocate members and reduce the exposure of its cadres to security operations. As part of this broader organisational strategy, Radhakka was transferred to the Dandakaranya region in 2003.
Radhakka had spent approximately 25 years associated with the Maoist movement before her arrest. Her involvement coincided with a period of significant armed conflict and state action against Maoist organisations in Telangana and surrounding areas.
In the years following her release, her health reportedly remained poor. She was recently admitted to RIMS in Adilabad after experiencing further health complications, and her condition subsequently deteriorated.
Her death marks the end of the life of a woman who was involved for several decades in the Maoist movement and who experienced underground political activity, arrest, imprisonment, illness and prolonged medical treatment. Her life and career can also be viewed in the broader context of the participation of women from tribal communities in armed and political movements in central and southern India.
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*Freelance journalist

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