BHOPAL: A villager was shot dead by Maoists in Balaghat district in the wee hours of Saturday on suspicion of being a police informer. This is the second murder by Maoists in the district four months.
The victim was identified as Lalu Dhurve of Jagla village, barely 3km from the Chhattisgarh border. Police found handwritten notes near his body, which said he was 'punished' by the Malanjkhand Area Committee because he helped police.
Police said they are yet to confirm the identity of the killers. Last week, Maoists had put up banners in Balaghat to observe 'martyrs' week' from July 28 to August 3. On Friday, they went to Sonewani area, barely 30km from Balaghat district Headquarters, and strung up banners. Police have intensified patrolling and stepped up security in key locations.
On March 23, Maoists kidnapped and shot dead a young villager employed as a forest camp assistant near Kanha National Park in Balaghat district. The body was dumped near a resort close to Kanha's Mukki gate. Leaflets strewn around the body threatened forest officers to stop 'GPS-based' patrolling in forest ranges. On June 20, security forces gunned down three Maoists, including a woman commander, in the district.
