- BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide shot dead.
- Attackers fired on aide near residence, killing him.
- Police investigate political motive amid post-election violence.
A close aide to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in West Bengal late Wednesday in what sources described as a targeted attack, intensifying concerns over the continuing violence in the state following the Assembly election results.
According to sources, Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari and executive assistant to the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, was shot at close range by unidentified assailants in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district.
The attack took place on a public road, where Rath was allegedly targeted while travelling in a vehicle.
Attackers Allegedly Followed The Car
Sources said the assailants followed Rath’s car before opening fire.
Multiple rounds were fired at the rear seat behind the driver, where Rath was seated, they said. He was hit by three bullets and died on the spot.
A security guard present during the attack was also injured.
Associated With Adhikari For Over A Decade
Rath had reportedly been associated with Adhikari for the past 10 to 12 years and was considered one of his close aides.
He had also handled key campaign responsibilities during the recent Assembly elections.
Political Angle Under Probe
Investigators are examining the possibility of a political motive behind the killing, given Rath’s proximity to Adhikari and his involvement in BJP’s election campaign.
The murder has triggered concern in political circles amid already heightened tensions in the state.
Police Launch Probe, CCTV Footage Being Examined
Police reached the spot soon after the incident and began an investigation.
STORY | Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant shot at
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant Chandranath Rath was shot at from close range by unidentified assailants in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night, sources said. The incident took place… pic.twitter.com/a8alFGxdsJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 6, 2026
A blockade has been imposed in the area as security forces search for the attackers. Officers are also scanning CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify those involved.
Fresh Violence After Poll Results
The shooting comes amid a string of violent incidents reported across West Bengal after the Assembly election results.
In the latest such episode before this, large-scale violence was reported in the Naijat area of North 24 Parganas district late Tuesday night. Police personnel responding to a clash between two groups were attacked.
Naijat police station in-charge Bharat Prasun Kar and a constable were shot during the violence. In total, three policemen and two central force personnel were injured and admitted to hospital for treatment.
