The Maoists shot dead an alleged former Maoist after branding him as "police informer" in Latehar district.

Ranvir Singh, who according to the police, broke away from the banned outfit recently, was killed by the Maoists at Chhipadohar under Barwadih police station last night, the police said on Thursday.

He belonged to Ranka in the neighbouring Garwah district. The police denied that Singh was ever an informer for it.