Malkangiri: A tribal man was killed by Maoists after suspecting him to be a police informer at a remote village here as the rebels are observing 'protest week' demanding halt to anti-Naxal operations by security forces, police said today.
A group of ultras had stormed into Dhuliput village in Paparmatla area on July 1 night and thrashed Lalit Dora (50) to death after taking him out of his house, said inspector in-charge of Chitrakonda police station, Pitabas Dharua.
Though the incident took place four days ago, the information was received today as the village is located in a remote and inaccessible area in the Maoist-affected district, he said.
The ultras first asked Dora to accompany him and later beat him to death when he showed reluctance, police said, adding a team has been sent to the village and investigation was on.
The red rebels apparently suspected that Dora was operating as an informer of the police, he said.
The killing took place during a 'Pratibada Saptaha' (protest week) called by the outlawed CPI (Maoist) that began on July 2 demanding a halt to anti-Naxal operations by security forces.
The incident came close on the heels of the abduction and killing of Raman Tamarabi (40) from Chintamchilika on June 30. His body was found in a nearby forest the next day, police officials said.