The personal assistant of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in Madhyamgram, just two days after the BJP’s major victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The victim, identified as Chandranath Rath, was travelling in a car when attackers reportedly followed the vehicle and opened fire after it slowed down. Police sources said four bullets were fired, out of which three hit Rath.
Visuals from the spot showed bullet marks and cracks on the car window.
Rath had worked closely with Suvendu Adhikari for many years and was considered part of his inner circle. He handled political coordination and other important work for the BJP leader.
The driver of the car, identified as Buddhadeb, was also injured in the attack and taken to hospital.
Suvendu Adhikari rushed to the hospital after the incident. Speaking to reporters, he called the killing a “cold-blooded murder” and claimed the attackers had planned the assault in advance.
His brother, Dibyendu Adhikari, demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and accused the Trinamool Congress of being behind the attack.
BJP leaders also claimed the murder reflects political violence in the state.
The Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and alleged that “BJP-backed miscreants” were involved in violence after the election results.
The incident comes amid rising political tension in West Bengal following the election outcome. Police said several people have already been arrested in connection with violence reported from different areas.
Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur seat, is being seen as one of the main faces of the BJP in the state.
