Naxals today shot dead one of their supporters, who had reportedly distanced himself from the armed movement led by outlawed CPI (Maoist), after producing him before a 'jan adalat' in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district.
The Maoists were miffed with the victim, Sandeep Kumar Rathore, for abandoning their cause, a police officer said.
"Rathore was this evening shot dead by armed rebels in the forests near Mukram nullah under Chintalnar Police Station limits," S R P Kalluri, Inspector General (Bastar Range), told PTI.
"As per records, he was a staunch supporter of Maoists but for the last few months he had started distancing himself from the banned outfit. He had joined the mainstream and was leading a normal life," the IG said.
A native of Chintalnar village, the 25-year-old had shifted to Dornapal, also in Sukma district, a few months back and started some business for which he had to visit local weekly markets.
This evening, while he was on his way back to Dornapal along with other traders and villagersfrom Chintalnar market, he was stopped by a group of around 60 rebels near Mukram nullah, about 450 km from here, he said.
According toeyewitnesses, thevictimand other traders were subsequently taken inside the forest by the rebels who then held a 'jan adalat' (people's court or kangaroo court) where they pumped bullets into him for not supporting their cause, the senior police officer said.
Naxals fled from the spot leaving Rathore in a critical condition. The victim was later brought to Chintalnar police camp for treatment but he succumbed to injuries, Kalluri said.
Meanwhile, a combing operation was launched in the region to nab the ultras, he added.
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