Four CPM activists were killed in Canning in South 24-Parganas on Monday after a group of armed miscreants hurled bombs and opened fire at them while they were returning from the Narayanpur Madrasah after filing nominations for the school elections.

The four — Dinesh Haldar, Biswanath Haldar, Selim Zamadar and Khaidul Zamadar, all aged between 25 and 35 years, died on the spot after suffering multiple bullet and splinter injuries near Makaitala in Canning, said a senior district official.

A group of 11 CPM men were returning from the madrasah after filing nominations for elections to the school administration board. Around 1.5 km from the school, a group of armed goons started firing indiscriminately at the group and hurled bombs. Four died on the spot while seven others were admitted to the M R Bangul Hospital with multiple bullet injuries, said the official.

“It is an instance of organised political butchery by the Trinamool Congress.

The group was returning from the madrasah after filing nominations. Without any provocation, Trinamool’s hired goons attacked the villagers,” said

Sujan Chakraborty, former MP and CPM leader.

Chakraborty added: “We will observe a protest across the state on Tuesday and have decided to call a 24-hour bandh in South 24-Parganas on Wednesday.”

Trinamool general secretary Mukul Roy, meanwhile, said: “It is absurd. Our men did not attack anybody. This incident needs a probe.”