Kolkata, Apr 24 : Suspected Maoists have shot dead two local CPI (M) leaders at Supurdih village in Balarampur area, about 40 from Purulia in West Bengal, on Thursday night.

Both identified as Bibhuti Singh Sardar and Baikuntha Mahato. The incident took place when both were retuning from fair and some motorcycle-borne persons shot at them.

According to the police, both died on the spot.

A 12-hour shutdown has been called by the CPI (M) in protest against the incident in Balarampur on Friday.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made in this district headquarter town ahead of Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi''s campaigning today. (ANI)