Post-poll tensions in West Bengal escalated further after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide and personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack in the Madhyamgram area of North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night.
Describing the killing as a “pre-planned murder” and a “personal loss”, Adhikari appealed to BJP workers to maintain peace.
How the Attack Unfolded
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time | Wednesday night (May 6, 2026) |
| Location | Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district |
| Method | Well-planned ambush |
| Weapons | Suspected Glock pistol (4 rounds fired, 3 hit Rath) |
| Wounds | Chest, abdomen, head |
According to police sources, Rath’s vehicle was being followed by two vehicles — a four-wheeler and a motorcycle. The four-wheeler allegedly overtook Rath’s car, forcing it to slow down. Moments later, bike-borne assailants opened fire from close range. The motorcycle used in the attack did not have a registration plate, suggesting a premeditated hit.
The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the firing and is currently undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. His condition is reported to be critical.
The Victim
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chandranath Rath |
| Role | Personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari |
| Association | Worked closely with Adhikari for several years |
Rath was considered a trusted aide of Adhikari and had been closely associated with him for years. He was actively involved in political work, including during the high-profile Bhabanipur contest.
Political Reactions
| Leader | Statement |
|---|---|
| Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) | “It’s a pre-planned murder. It’s a personal loss for me. I appeal to all BJP workers to maintain peace.” |
| Arjun Singh (BJP) | “Abhishek Banerjee has orchestrated this murder. They want to send a message that even though they are not in power, they are still a force to be reckoned with.” |
| Keya Ghosh (BJP) | “He worked intensely for Suvendu Adhikari. This is not a random act.” |
| TMC Statement | Condemned the killing; demanded a court-monitored probe; pointed to recent incidents where its own workers were targeted |
BJP leaders alleged the involvement of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). “They are fools. They will get their answer,” Arjun Singh said.
The TMC, however, strongly condemned the killing and denied the allegations, stating that violence and political killings have no place in a democracy.
Investigation Status
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Police Response | West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta confirmed one vehicle linked to the case has been intercepted |
| Evidence Recovered | Empty cartridges, live bullets, bullet marks on car window |
| CCTV | Footage from Jessore Road and nearby areas being examined |
| Suspects | Multiple teams working to identify attackers |
The car’s number plate had been tampered with. Police have seized the vehicle and recovered fired cartridges and live rounds.
Broader Context: Post-Poll Violence
The attack came amid sporadic incidents of violence being reported in West Bengal since the BJP’s sweeping electoral victory, in which it secured 207 of the 294 Assembly seats, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state.
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| BJP worker Madhu Mondal | Allegedly beaten to death by TMC supporters during a victory procession in New Town |
| TMC worker Abir Sheikh | Allegedly hacked to death by BJP activists in Nanoor, Birbhum |
| TMC candidate’s office attacked | Office of Aroop Biswas vandalized in Tollygunge |
| BJP flags at TMC office | Office of TMC councillor Sushanta Ghosh ransacked at Ruby Crossing |
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed authorities to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism.
