Bhubaneswar: Maoists on Sunday gunned down an alleged police informer who they also suspected of ferrying ration for security forces deployed in the "cut-off" area of Malkangiri district.

Sources said that Sama Pangi was shot dead by a group of rebels near Spillway Ghat of Balimela reservoir in Chitrakonda area of Malkangiri in the morning. Around 10 Maoists came to the ghat on a motorboat and shot Pangi, a native of Janti village, from point-blank range.

"The Maoists are trying to terrorise people by indulging in such acts of violence," said Malkangiri superintendent of police Jagmohan Meena, adding that combing had been intensified to nab them.

Pangi, who had left Janti and was staying at Pilobai village following threats from rebels, had sought protection from district police.

Pangi made a living by selling food items near the Spillway Ghat. But, he was on the hit list of the Maoists as he allegedly used to ferry ration on boats for security forces stationed in the "cut-off" area across the Balimela reservoir.

The Maoists also suspected Pangi of being a police informer and had attacked him two years ago. But he had survived that attack. Following the attack, he had left his native village and was staying at Pilobai in Chitrakonda area.

Last Tuesday the Maoists had gunned down a "gaon sathi" near Satanalia in Kandhmal district suspecting him to be a police informer.