The deceased, identified as Nelson Bhengra, was allegedly beaten up mercilessly before being shot dead.
Sundargarh: A former Maoist was allegedly shot dead by Naxals on suspicion of being a police informer in a jungle near Jharkhand border in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. The deceased, identified as Nelson Bhengra, was allegedly beaten up mercilessly before being shot dead.
As per reports, Bhengra, who hailed from Samatha village within Jaraikela police limits, had been arrested by Bisra police for his Maoist links in May last year. He had been released two months back on bail following which he was working as a night guard at a culvert. Family members claimed he had given up violence to join the mainstream of society.
On January 10, a group of armed Maoists barged into his house at around 10 pm and dragged him to the nearby Saranda jungle suspecting him to be a police informer. They then thrashed him ruthlessly and then shot him dead besides leaving a leaflet claiming responsibility next to his body. The note stated that Bhengra was killed as he was suspected of divulging information to the police.
On getting information, police and security personnel of CRPF started search operations. Official sources said the combing operation is underway.