Suspected Maoists shoots ex-Sarpanch shot at Dandabadi village in Odisha 

JEYPORE: Former Sarpanch of Ramgiri sustained critical injuries after being shot at by suspected Maoists near Dandabadi village here on Sunday. He was identified as Basant Nayak.

Sources said Basant was on his way to Dandabadi for shopping when two suspected Maoists on a motorcycle shot him at close range. He sustained bullet injuries on his head and chest. While the assailants fled from the scene after committing the crime, local villagers  rushed an injured Basant to Jeypore hospital  in a critical condition.

On being informed, senior police officials rushed to the spot and started investigation. However, police said the attack on Basant could be a result of past rivalry and there was less possibility of Maoists being involved in the incident. It is believed that the attack could be the handiwork of Maoists as the former Sarpanch was on the hit list of Naxals operating in bordering areas of Ramgiri and Sukma in Chhattisgarh.

Security forces have stepped up combing operation in areas under Ramgiri which is said to be the hotbed of Maoists, sources said. Hospital sources said the condition of Basant is serious and he is under medical supervision. Incidentally, Maoist posters were found near Gupteswar shrine, which is located only 12 km from the crime scene, a few days back.