Politics – BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Killed in North 24 Parganas Shooting
Politics – A major political controversy erupted in West Bengal after Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night.
The incident took place in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram near Doltala, where Rath was travelling in a car along Jessore Road close to the Chowmatha crossing. According to preliminary findings, assailants riding motorcycles allegedly followed the vehicle before intercepting it on the highway. Investigators believe the attackers fired several rounds at close range through the closed window of the car before escaping from the spot.
Victim Succumbed to Multiple Bullet Injuries
Rath, who was seated beside the driver, sustained severe gunshot wounds during the attack. He was immediately shifted to a nearby private hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Another individual travelling with him was also injured in the firing and remains under medical supervision in critical condition.
Doctors at the hospital stated that Rath suffered multiple bullet injuries to the chest and abdomen, including wounds that reportedly damaged vital organs. Medical staff said there was little scope for emergency resuscitation due to the seriousness of the injuries.
Political Reactions Intensify After Incident
The killing triggered sharp political reactions across West Bengal, particularly because it occurred shortly after the BJP’s strong electoral performance in the state assembly elections.
Party leaders stated that Rath had played an important role in Suvendu Adhikari’s election campaign, especially in the Bhabanipur constituency where Adhikari secured a significant political victory against former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
As news of the shooting spread, BJP workers and supporters gathered outside the hospital, demanding swift action against those responsible. Senior party leaders also visited the location following the incident, while Suvendu Adhikari later reached the area and met party members and officials.
BJP Leaders Allege Targeted Political Attack
Several BJP leaders described the murder as a planned assault. Newly elected MLA Tarunjyoti Tewari alleged that the attack carried political motives and accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of creating an atmosphere of hostility.
BJP MLA-elect Kaustav Bagchi, who was present at the hospital, claimed that Rath’s vehicle had allegedly been tracked for some distance before the attackers opened fire. He called for an immediate investigation and strict punishment for those involved in the killing.
Trinamool Congress Demands Independent Investigation
The Trinamool Congress also condemned the murder and sought a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In an official statement, the party criticised the violence and said political killings should not take place in a democratic environment.
The ruling party additionally referred to other alleged incidents of post-poll violence involving its workers in recent days and urged authorities to identify all individuals responsible for the unrest.
Police Begin Probe and Review CCTV Footage
Following the shooting, heavy police deployment was made in the Madhyamgram area to prevent further tension. Senior police officers reached the crime scene soon after the incident and launched an investigation.
Officials are currently examining CCTV footage collected from nearby roads and commercial establishments to trace the movement of the attackers. Investigators are also attempting to determine the exact motive behind the murder and whether Rath was specifically targeted.
No arrests had been reported at the time of filing this report, and police said further details would emerge after forensic examination and witness questioning.