The Maoists have killed eight persons of the family headed by the complainant,' state police chief Vishwa Ranjan told IANS.

Sources in Kanker district said Maoist commander Nagesh ordered the massacre after the family refused to obey his order for settlement of the property dispute.

Kanker police chief Ajay Yadav, however, said they were 'yet to reach the incident site as it is heavily forested and dominated by Maoists. We will confirm the incident only after reaching there'.

Police sources said dozens of policemen, who left for the village late evening, were moving cautiously in the dense forested area as roads to the village are laid with landmines planted by rebels.

The police team is expected to reach the village by Thursday noon.