Two CPI(M) leaders shot dead

Suspected Maoists shot dead two local CPI(M) leaders at Supurdih village in Balarampur area, about 40 from here, on Thursday night.

Police said Bibhuti Singh Sardar and Baikuntha Mahato were returning from a fair at around 11 pm on Thursday night when some motorcycle-borne persons shot at them from a close range. Both of them died on the spot, police said.

While the police is yet to identify the assailants, the family members of the victims said the killers raised slogans in support of the Maoists after killing the two. The CPI(M) has called a 12-hour bandh in Balarampur on Friday in protest against the incident.

Security has been tightened in this district headquarter town in view of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit for campaigning.