New Delhi - Armed Maoist rebels killed four villagers in India's Orissa state after suspecting them of being police informers, a news report said Wednesday.

Some 50 militants armed with guns, axes and other weapons attacked a village in the southern Rayagada district in the early hours of Wednesday and killed three locals and injured two more, the Press Trust of India reported quoting police sources.

The victims were called out of their houses and attacked by the rebels. One of the injured died later while the condition of the other injured person was said to be serious.

The militants put up a poster in the village saying they targeted people who allegedly gave information to the police and exploited tribal people, the report said.

Maoist rebels claim they are leading an armed rebellion to secure the rights of India's poor and marginalized people and are active in the country's eastern states.

At least 2,671 people - including civilians, security personnel and rebels - have been killed in incidents related to Maoist violence in India since 2006, according to Home Ministry data.

The government is planning a major offensive against the Maoists, led by state police and supported by federal military forces. (dpa)