A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant and executive aide to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a targeted attack late Wednesday night in the Madhyamgram area near Kolkata.
The killing comes less than 48 hours after the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results and has sharply escalated political tensions in the state.
Targeted Shooting in Madhyamgram
The incident took place in the Doharia area of Doltala in Madhyamgram, located in North 24 Parganas district. According to preliminary reports, unidentified attackers riding motorcycles allegedly followed Rath’s vehicle before intercepting it on the road.
Witnesses and local reports indicate that the assailants opened fire at close range through the vehicle’s window before fleeing the scene immediately after the attack.
Rath was reportedly seated in the front passenger seat beside the driver when the attack occurred. His driver also sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Kolkata, where he remains in critical condition.
Local media reports stated that Rath suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Doctors Confirm Multiple Gunshot Wounds
A doctor at the hospital said Rath had suffered severe chest injuries, with bullets piercing his heart, while another bullet struck his abdomen.
According to medical officials, the injuries were fatal and there was virtually no chance of reviving him.
BJP Calls It a “Pre-Planned Political Murder”
Senior BJP leaders strongly condemned the killing and described it as a politically motivated assassination.
Kaustav Bagchi, a newly elected BJP legislator who was present at the hospital, claimed the attack was carefully planned. He alleged that the attackers had followed Rath’s vehicle for a considerable distance before carrying out the shooting.
Bagchi accused leaders of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being behind the murder, though no official evidence has yet been presented publicly to support the claim.
He stated that BJP workers would continue demanding justice until the attackers are identified and arrested.
Suvendu Adhikari Reacts
Suvendu Adhikari described the killing as a “cold-blooded and pre-planned murder.” He appealed to BJP supporters to remain calm while assuring them that those responsible would eventually face legal action.
Rath was considered a close aide to Adhikari and had reportedly played a key organizational role during the election campaign in the Bhabanipur constituency, where Adhikari defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in one of the state’s most closely watched political contests.
Eyewitness Describes “Professional” Attack
An eyewitness speaking to media outlets described the shooting as highly coordinated.
According to the witness, Rath’s car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road before a motorcyclist approached from the left side and began firing at point-blank range.
The witness claimed the attacker appeared “professional” and escaped immediately after firing two rounds. The shooting reportedly occurred between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., approximately 200 to 300 meters from a nearby hospital.
TMC Condemns Killing, Demands CBI Investigation
Despite BJP allegations, TMC publicly condemned the murder and called for a court-monitored investigation by India’s central investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In an official statement, TMC said political violence had no place in a democracy and also referred to the deaths of several of its own party workers during recent post-election clashes.
The party urged authorities to identify and punish everyone involved in the violence regardless of political affiliation.
Political Tensions Intensify in Bengal
The incident has intensified the already volatile political atmosphere in West Bengal following the recent state election results.
The BJP secured a major electoral breakthrough by winning 207 seats, positioning itself to form its first-ever government in the state. Meanwhile, TMC’s tally reportedly dropped to 80 seats, ending its 15-year rule in West Bengal.
The election outcome has dramatically altered Bengal’s political landscape, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as one of the most influential leaders in the state after repeating his earlier Nandigram success by defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.
Investigation Underway
Senior police officials have reached the crime scene, and a large security deployment has been made in the area to prevent further unrest.
Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and attempting to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the killing.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul alleged that the attack may have been politically motivated and confirmed that surveillance footage from the area is being examined as part of the investigation.
The killing of Chandranath Rath is now expected to become a major flashpoint in West Bengal politics, with both BJP and TMC trading accusations as calls grow for an impartial and transparent investigation.
