Kolkata, Sep 30  Three Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activists were shot dead by suspected Maoist guerrillas in West Bengal's West Midnapore district, police said Wednesday.

"We've information that bodies of three CPI-M activists were found near Kadashol forest area this morning. We've not recovered the bodies yet but we've sent our force to the spot," West Bengal Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Surajit Kar Purokayastha told IANS.

According to Marxist sources, the Maoists took three CPI-M workers - Anadi Mahato, Bhakti Mahato and Radhanath Mahoto - to a forest area at around 11.30 p. m. Tuesday and killed them.

Meanwhile, a shutdown called by the People's Committee Against Police Atrocity (PCAPA), a tribal body protesting against alleged police excesses in the region, began Wednesday in three districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore.

"The situation in all three districts is peaceful," Purokayastha said. "We're taking all precautions to combat any untoward incident in all three districts."(IANS)