Maoists kill a tribal in Orissa

Laxmipur, Feb 26 (ANI): Suspected Maoists gunned down a tribal in Laxmipur area of Orissa.

The deceased Salu Praska, 45, had gone into to the forest area along with his wife Salme Praska to collect firewood, when a group of Maoists caught him and killed him.

"We saw nearly ten people coming our way. They were holding guns and they beat my husband. We tried to run away but they caught my husband and killed him in front of me," said Salme Praska.

The incident sent shock waves in the entire village, as it was for the first time that a incident of such kind had occurred in that area.

Laxmipur is a hamlet in Orissa's Koraput District. It is situated at an altitude of nearly 3,000 feet and is surrounded by thick forests.

Security and police personnel rushed to the area and started the investigations.

"You know that one 'adivasi' fellow namely Salu Praska of Laxmipur was killed by some Maoists. I suspect that the Maoists might have committed this murder of Salu Praska in the nearby forest area by slitting his throat," said Surya Mani Pradhan, police inspector, Laxmipur police station.

Pradhan added that the deceased was a resident of Kondha Sahi near Laxmipur area and was engaged in a country liquor trade.

The Maoist insurgency has gripped nearly a third of the country in its violent tentacles, spreading into the interiors of 20 of India's 28 states. (ANI)