As per preliminary information, a group of armed Maoists stormed into deputy sarpanch's house in Chinna Kodepal. (File photo)
A deputy sarpanch was shot dead allegedly by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Bijapur district after they branded him as a police informer, an official said today.
Deputy Sarpanch of Chinna Kodepal village Anganpalli Lachhaiya was shot dead by armed Maoists near his home late last night, a senior police official told news agency PTI.
As per preliminary information, a group of armed Maoists stormed into deputy sarpanch's house in Chinna Kodepal, located around 16 km away from Bijapur district headquarters, and dragged him out, he said.
"The rebels badly thrashed Lachhaiya with sticks in front of his family before pumping three bullets into him leaving him dead on the spot," the official said.
They also threatened his family members and other villagers with dire consequences if they attempt to help police in any way, he said.
After receiving an alert, police personnel reached the spot, he said, adding that security forces have launched a combing operation in the region to nab the attackers.
On June 10, a BJP leader and the member of Zila Panchayat Ramsai Majji (64) was hacked to death by Maoists in Sangampalli village of Bijapur.