Malkangiri: Marking their presence in tribal dominated Malkangiri district, Maoists killed a ward member candidate of Bara village under Mathili police limits late on Thursday night.
The deceased has been identified as Dasu Dharua.
According to reports, 20-25 armed Maoists called Dharua out of his house and murdered him for contesting in the three-tier panchayat poll.
Earlier, the ultra outfits have cautioned the tribals of Malkangiri district to refrain from the panchayat polls.
The Maoists through posters had warned the tribals not to apply for candidature and cast vote in the ensuing Panchayat polls.
Also read: Maoists warn Malkangiri villagers to abstain from panchayat polls
The ultras hads warned the tribals that if anybody contests for Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti member, Ward member and Zilla Parishad member, they would be sentenced to death. Besides, people who would go to cast vote, will also be given punishment.