Three CPI(M) workers, including a local leader, were shot dead by unidentified assailants at Banksole in West Midanpore district on Wednesday.

The six motorcycle-borne assailants killed the three including CPI(M)'s Shimli branch secretary Amal Mahato when they were having tea at a shop after patrolling the forest in the night to guard against Maoist-backed tribal agitators.