Kolkata, Aug 17 - A Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activist was shot dead by unidentified men Monday in South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal, police said.

'Madar Ali Mollah was shot in his head in broad daylight today (Monday). He died on the spot. The miscreants also went on rampage and damaged Canning zonal committee party office, injuring five others,' a senior police officer said.

The incident took place at Jibontala area of Narayantala village.

The ruling CPI-M claimed that Mollah was killed by the opposition Trinamool Congress supported men.

'With this, 74 CPI-M cadres have lost their lives in violent attacks launched by Trinamool workers since April-May general election this year,' CPI-M state secretary Biman Bose said in a press release.

Demanding immediate arrests of those involved in the murder, he said: 'The opposition is trying to destabilise the law and order situation in the state. We'll carry out state-wide protest rallies tomorrow (Tuesday) and the day after (Wednesday).

'I welcome all people to come forward and condemn such violent attacks which are being carried out in our state.'