Maoist kill schoolteacher in Orissa village

Koraput (Orissa), Aug 16 (ANI): A group of Maoists killed a teacher by slitting his neck at Gotiguda village under Narayanpatna area of Orissa's Koraput District on Sunday.

According to police, the Maoists suspected Ghashi Kendruka to be a police informer and killed him for being that.

"On Aug.15, about two hundred Naxalites arrived at his house, killed him by slitting his neck. Lachi Kendruka, who is the wife of Ghashi Kendruka has registered a report for necessary legal actions," said Gouranga Sahu, inspector in-charge of Narayanpatna Police Station.

Local residents, however, said that around 50 to 60 armed Maoists entered the village on Sunday night and threatened to kill the villagers.

"The Maoists went to his (Ghashi Kendruka ) house and forcefully took him to place outside the village and tied him to a tree. There, they killed him by slitting his neck," said Philip Meleka, a resident of Gotigunda village.

The Maoists, after killing Kendruka, reportedly threatened other villagers and even fired a couple of shots.

Saroj Meleka, one of the victims and villager said that members of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh, a group of tribal activists were also present during the incident.

"Maoists broke open the doors of my house last night when I was sleeping. They caught me and took me in the back yard. They were talking about killing me there. In the meanwhile, I somehow escaped from there and saved my life. There were around 50 to 60 armed people," said Meleka.

The rebels left a letter claiming responsibility for the incident. (ANI)