Kolkata, Aug 19 - Maoists vandalised and set ablaze a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) office as an indefinite shutdowm called by them in three districts of West Bengal continued for the second day Wednesday, police said.

The CPI-M office near Dherua locality in West Midnapore district was torched by the rebels.

'The incident took place this morning as a group of Maoist rebels damaged and set afire a party office near Dherua,' a senior state police officer said.

Normal life in three tribal-dominated western districts - Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore - continued to be affected Wednesday as the indefinite strike received good response, especially in the rural pockets, considered as Maoist strongholds.

Schools, colleges, shops and offices remained closed for the second consecutive day while public transport kept off the road due to the shutdown.

According to police sources, the Maoists also opened fire at the security forces' camps near Gohomidanga and Kantapahari area near Lalgarh.