BHAWANIPATNA: A civil contractor Rajendra Sahu was shot dead in broad daylight by suspected Maoists near the weekly market of Malipada village of Lanjigarh block on Sunday.
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Sources said the Maoists called Sahu to a spot near the market and shot him dead alleging he was a police informer. They also set the contractor’s motorcycle on fire. The incident occurred around 12 km from the CRPF camp at Bijepur.
A hand written leaflet of Rayagada area committee of CPI (Maoist) was found near the spot. It stated that the deceased was a police informer and worked as an agent of private companies. It also said Sahu was exploiting villagers of the area.
Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP) B Gangadhar said investigation is on to ascertain whether the murder was the handiwork of Maoists. Patrolling and combing operations have been intensified in the area, added the SP.