CPI-M leader gunned down by suspected Maoists

KOLKATA: A CPI-M leader was gunned down by suspected Maoists in West Bengal's Naxalite-infested Belpahari area in West Midnapur district early on Tuesday.

"Birpur zonal committee member of CPI-M Palaram Tudu was killed when the attackers opened fire at him on a paddy field in Jamjhulka village under Belpahari police station," IGP (Law and order) Raj Kanojia said.

"We are not ruling out the involvement of the Maoists," he said.

Search was on to track the culprits, he said.

The Belpahiri region, which has witnessed landmine blasts in recent months, has been identified by the state administration as Maoist-infested.

Several CPI-M activists and policemen have been killed in Maoist attacks in the area in recent months.

The district adjoins East Midnapur, the scene of violent activities over proposed SEZ project.