A tribal farmer in Odisha’s Malkangiri district was allegedly shot dead by Maoists on Wednesday night on the suspicion of being a police informer.
Police sources said a group of about 20 armed Maoists stormed Sudhakunda village under Kalimela police station late in the night in search of the victim, Ganga Madkami (30). They barged into his house and dragged him out. Madkami was then taken to a deserted place near the village and shot dead from close range.
After committing the murder, the Maoists allegedly threatened the villagers to refrain from having any contact with the police and the administration. The assailants claimed that they had killed Madkami as he was a police informer.
‘Act of frustration’
Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Jagmohan Meena said the victim was a poor farmer and had no links with the police. He said the murder was an “act of frustration” of the Maoists who are losing their clout over the tribal people living in remote areas of the district. “This cold-blooded murder was meant to terrorise the innocent tribals of the area,” Mr. Meena said.
Anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in the region following the murder. Attacks by the insurgents on tribals have increased in the past few weeks. On June 10, the ultras shot at Mangalu Wanjami (45), the village head of Silakota under Podia police station limits.
In Kurub village under Kalimela police station limits, the Maoists put up posters threatening 10 families to refrain from cultivating their fields.