BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath Shot Dead Amid Escalating Post-Poll Violence in West Bengal
The political atmosphere in West Bengal turned even more tense on Wednesday night after Chandranath Rath, a close aide and executive assistant to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district amid continuing post-election violence in the state.
The incident took place in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram, where Rath was reportedly attacked by unidentified assailants while returning home late at night.
According to police sources, the attackers intercepted his vehicle around 10:20 pm before opening fire at close range.
Rath, who was considered one of Adhikari’s trusted associates, was seated beside the driver when motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly blocked the car.
Investigators said one of the attackers approached the vehicle window and fired multiple rounds at him from point-blank range.
He died on the spot, while the driver sustained serious bullet injuries and was rushed to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
Police officials described the killing as a “planned murder.” A senior officer involved in the investigation said the nature of the attack suggested that the assailants intended to ensure Rath’s death.
“After shooting him, the killer reportedly waited to confirm that he had died,” the officer said.
Rath was initially taken to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Medical officials confirmed that two individuals had been brought to the emergency ward — one already deceased and the other suffering from gunshot injuries.
The killing comes at a time when West Bengal is witnessing heightened political tensions and sporadic violence following the BJP’s massive electoral victory, which ended the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
As news of the attack spread, Suvendu Adhikari and Rath’s wife immediately rushed to the hospital.
Reacting strongly to the incident, West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya accused political opponents of orchestrating violence against BJP workers and leaders.
“This was expected. How low can they stoop?” Bhattacharya told reporters. He alleged that BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh, had been repeatedly targeted in the past.
Calling the murder “deeply unfortunate,” he said the killing of the Leader of the Opposition’s personal assistant sent a disturbing message in the current political climate. Bhattacharya also stated that the BJP would pursue legal action in the matter.
Meanwhile, the TMC issued a statement condemning the killing and calling for a thorough investigation into all incidents of post-poll violence reported in recent days.
In a statement posted on X, the party said it strongly condemned the murder of Chandranath Rath as well as the deaths of three alleged TMC workers in separate incidents that the party claimed were linked to BJP-backed violence during the post-election period.
The TMC demanded strict action against those responsible and sought a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incidents to ensure accountability and impartiality.
“Violence and political killings have no place in democracy,” the party stated, adding that all those involved must be identified and punished at the earliest.
Police officials said an investigation has already begun,n and multiple teams are conducting searches in the area.
Authorities are also examining CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the attackers and trace their movements before and after the shooting.
The killing has further intensified political tensions in the state, where allegations and counter-allegations between the BJP and TMC continue amid concerns over law and order in the aftermath of the Assembly election results.
