Politics – Family of Injured Driver Seeks Justice After Bengal Shooting
Politics – The family of a driver injured during the fatal shooting of a close associate of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has appealed for strict punishment against those responsible, saying such violent incidents should never be repeated in the state.
The incident took place in Madhyamgram, near Kolkata, on Wednesday night, when Chandranath Rath was shot dead in an attack that has intensified political tensions across West Bengal. Buddhabeb Bera, who was driving the vehicle during the shooting, also suffered bullet injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.
Family Reached Kolkata After Seeing Television Reports
Relatives of the injured driver said they first learned about the attack through television news broadcasts before rushing to Kolkata. Speaking to reporters, Buddhabeb’s uncle Biswajit Bera said the family remains unaware of the motive behind the attack and the identities of those involved.
He said the family’s immediate concern is Buddhabeb’s recovery and safe return home. According to relatives, the 25-year-old has been working in Kolkata for some time and visits his native village occasionally during weekends.
Buddhabeb belongs to Majnaberia village under the Chandipur police station area in Purba Medinipur district. Following the incident, several family members, including his parents, younger brother and other relatives, travelled to Kolkata to stay by his side during treatment.
Demand for Strong Legal Action
The family has urged authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the shooting and ensure severe punishment for those found guilty. Biswajit Bera said the accused should face strict legal consequences so that similar incidents do not create fear among ordinary families in the future.
He also stressed that violent crimes linked to political tensions should be dealt with firmly to maintain public confidence in law and order across the state.
Local Residents Express Shock
People in Buddhabeb’s neighbourhood also reacted strongly to the incident. A local resident, Ranjana Ghorai, said the injured driver is affectionately known as “Sona” in the area and described the attack as deeply disturbing for the community.
Residents said the incident has left villagers anxious, especially after learning about the shooting through continuous television coverage and online updates. Many have called for fast legal proceedings and enhanced security measures to prevent further violence.
Political Reactions Intensify
The killing of Chandranath Rath has triggered sharp political reactions in West Bengal. Members of Rath’s family have demanded life imprisonment for those responsible, while BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has sought the harshest possible punishment for the accused.
The incident has once again brought political violence and security concerns into focus ahead of major political developments in the state. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including possible motives and the identities of those directly linked to the shooting.
Police officials have not yet released detailed findings from the investigation, but the case continues to attract widespread attention across West Bengal due to its political implications and the condition of the injured driver.