Election Violence – TMC Demands Court-Supervised Probe Into Bengal Shooting
Election Violence – The Trinamool Congress on Thursday strongly criticised the killing of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to senior BJP leader and outgoing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and sought a court-monitored CBI inquiry into the incident that took place in North 24 Parganas district.
Rath was attacked late Wednesday night while travelling back home after attending a political event in the Madhyamgram area. According to reports, unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle, leaving Rath with severe injuries to the head, chest and abdomen. He was taken to Viva City Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Another Victim Remains Critical
A second person travelling with Rath, identified as Buddhadeb Bera, also suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the attack. Hospital sources said he remains in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment. The incident has triggered fresh political tensions in the state following the recently concluded Assembly elections.
Trinamool Congress Seeks Central Investigation
Reacting to the development, the Trinamool Congress issued a statement condemning the violence and demanding immediate action against those responsible. The party also linked the incident to a series of violent clashes reported in different parts of the state over the past few days.
In its statement posted on social media platform X, the party said political violence had no place in a democratic system and urged authorities to ensure that the culprits are identified without delay. The party further demanded that the matter be investigated through a court-supervised CBI probe to maintain transparency and accountability.
Saayoni Ghosh Calls For Strong Action
Trinamool Congress MP Saayoni Ghosh also reacted strongly to the shooting, describing the incident as deeply disturbing. She appealed to the police administration to take strict action against all individuals involved in violent activities across the state.
In her statement, Ghosh stressed that public safety and maintenance of law and order should remain a priority regardless of political affiliation or ideological differences. She also said that no individual should lose their life due to political hostility and urged authorities to prevent further escalation of violence.
BJP Blames Ruling Party Leadership
Meanwhile, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya accused the Trinamool Congress leadership of being behind the attack. He alleged that the murder was part of a larger political conspiracy emerging after the recent election results in West Bengal.
Bhattacharya claimed that disturbances had already begun surfacing in several districts during the transition period between the declaration of election results and the formation of the new government. He further alleged that political workers linked to the ruling party were attempting to create unrest while pretending to be BJP supporters.
The BJP leader also questioned the role of the Election Commission in ensuring peace during the sensitive post-election phase. According to him, stronger preventive measures should have been taken to avoid such incidents.
Rising Concern Over Post-Poll Violence
The killing of Rath has once again brought focus on recurring allegations of political violence in West Bengal. Political confrontations and clashes between rival party workers have frequently surfaced during and after elections in the state, often drawing criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
Police officials have not yet released detailed information regarding the attackers or the motive behind the shooting. Investigations are currently underway, and security has reportedly been increased in sensitive areas following the incident.