In a major law-and-order incident on the eve of a political transition in West Bengal, Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Madhyamgram on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred days before the BJP-led government is scheduled to take oath in the state, heightening tensions across the political spectrum.
According to police, Rath sustained two bullet injuries to the chest after assailants opened fire at close range. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His driver was also injured after being hit by a bullet and is currently in critical condition. He has been shifted to a hospital in Kolkata for advanced treatment.
The attack took place around 8:30 pm when Rath was travelling from the Doharia area of Madhyamgram. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports suggest that a group of assailants on motorcycles intercepted his vehicle and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene.
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Upon receiving information about the shooting, a large police contingent was immediately deployed to the area, which has since been cordoned off. An investigation has been launched to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the assault.
Following the incident, Adhikari, who defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, left for Madhyamgram to assess the situation.
Rath was a former Indian Air Force personnel who, after retirement, became a close aide to Adhikari.
Reacting to the incident, Adhikari’s brother Dibyendu stated that Rath had been engaged in campaign activities and was returning home when he was attacked. He alleged that the assailants fired at him from point-blank range.
The killing has sparked concern over security and political violence in the state, especially at a time of significant political developments. Police have assured that all angles, including possible political motives, are being thoroughly examined.
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