Kolkata, Aug 30 - One Maoist linkman was killed and another injured when a crude bomb they were making went off in West Bengal's Murshidabad district Sunday, police said.

The incident took place near Beharampur town when the duo was preparing the explosive to carry out a blast on the National Highway (NH)-34.

'They were preparing the explosive when it went off, killing one of the offenders on the spot,' Murshidabad Superintendent of Police Bharatlal Meena said.

'The two had links with Maoist rebels and planned to carry out the blast on NH-34,' Meena said, adding the ultras had also hatched a plan to call a shutdown in the district.

According to sources, some Maoist posters were recovered from the blast site.

'The injured person was arrested in connection with the case,' police said.