A CPM worker was shot dead by two unidentified youths near his home near Dalkhola in North Dinajpur on Tuesday night.

The CPM has alleged that political opponents were behind the murder of Guruchand Roy, 55, at Hasan village in Suryapur panchayat.

Sources said Roy had been cooking food when two youths had arrived near his house and started calling him.

“As informed by a relative, Roy came out. The youths walked up to him and fired at him from a close range. A bullet hit the head and Roy collapsed on the ground. Before others could raise an alert, the attackers fled,” said a police officer.

The police took the body to the Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem.

Amrit Mondal, a relative of Roy, said the deceased used to resolve local disputes and hence, he had been popular.

“We suspect the killers were disgruntled with him over some issues. The police should find out the truth,” Mondal said.

Apuraba Pal, the CPM district secretary, demanded that the police round up the assailants immediately. He said the Trinamul Congress and the BJP were unhappy with Roy’s activities.

The police said they were investigating the case.