Kolkata: West Bengal’s post-poll tensions turned violent on Wednesday night, May 6, after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district. The saffron party described the incident as a “targeted assassination,” sparking widespread outrage, protests, and fresh political accusations of violence in the state.
Security was tightened across parts of North 24 Parganas on Thursday morning, May 7, with additional police deployment in Madhyamgram, Doharia and surrounding areas after BJP supporters staged protests demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Senior police officials urged calm, stating that strict surveillance has been put in place in sensitive areas. “We are keeping strict vigil in sensitive pockets, and additional forces have been deployed. People should not pay heed to rumours,” a senior West Bengal Police officer told PTI.
The killing, which occurred less than 48 hours after the announcement of closely contested Assembly election results, has intensified political tensions. The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of retaliatory violence, while the ruling party has countered by alleging attacks on its workers in several districts.
According to preliminary reports, Rath was travelling near Doltala in Madhyamgram around 10:30 pm when his vehicle was intercepted by motorcycle-borne assailants. The attackers allegedly followed his car, forced it to stop, and opened fire before fleeing.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was first blocked near Doharia junction by a small four-wheeler. A motorcyclist then approached the SUV and fired at close range. The occupants of the four-wheeler reportedly abandoned their vehicle and escaped on the motorcycle.
Rath, who served as executive assistant to the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, was returning home in Madhyamgram at the time of the attack. Doctors at the hospital confirmed he was brought dead.
“The victim was brought dead with two bullet injuries on his chest, which pierced his heart, while another bullet struck his abdominal area. There was no opportunity to resuscitate him,” a doctor said. Rath’s driver, who was also injured in the firing, is undergoing treatment at a Kolkata hospital in critical condition.
The BJP has demanded immediate arrests, alleging a complete collapse of law and order in the state. Party leaders said the killing reflects growing lawlessness under the TMC government and accused it of fostering political violence following the election results.
“A person closely associated with the Leader of Opposition was targeted in a planned manner. This shows how law and order have deteriorated under the Mamata Banerjee government, which the people of Bengal have thrown out of power,” a BJP leader said.
The incident has quickly escalated into a major political flashpoint. Suvendu Adhikari, who reached the hospital around midnight, termed the killing “heart-wrenching” and alleged that the attackers had carried out prior reconnaissance before executing the attack.
“This is a cold-blooded murder. The DGP has assured that they will investigate the matter,” he said, adding that the manner of the attack suggested a planned operation. However, he did not name any organisation and urged party workers not to resort to violence.
“We don’t want to draw any conclusion as of now, as the police are investigating the matter,” Adhikari said, while also alleging that attacks on BJP workers were continuing in several districts. He claimed another party worker was shot in Basirhat and one more was stabbed in Baranagar.
He further stated that he had spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president Nitin Nabin regarding the incident. Calling the situation in Bengal “Mahajungle Raj,” he said strict action would be taken once the BJP comes to power.
“When the BJP government takes charge, we will start the job of cleaning up these criminals,” he said. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya also called the incident proof of the “total criminalisation of politics” in the state.
Following the killing, large groups of BJP supporters gathered outside the hospital, raising slogans against the TMC and demanding arrests. The situation turned emotionally charged as senior leaders, newly elected MLAs and party workers rushed to the site overnight, with many supporters breaking down in tears.
A heavy police force was deployed outside the hospital and along Jessore Road to prevent any untoward incidents.
The TMC condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation. In its statement, the party also alleged that three of its workers had been killed in separate incidents of post-poll violence allegedly carried out by “BJP-backed miscreants” in the past three days.
Director General of Police Siddhnath Gupta said cartridges were recovered from the crime scene and a suspected vehicle used in the attack had been seized. “The registration number appears to be from the Siliguri Regional Transport Office, but our initial impression is that the number plate may have been tampered with,” he said.
Police have launched a detailed investigation, examining CCTV footage from the area and forming multiple teams to trace the assailants. Officials are also probing whether contract killers were involved in the murder.
According to investigators, between six and ten rounds were fired during the attack. The assailants, reportedly wearing helmets and using motorcycles without number plates, are suspected to have used sophisticated firearms.
Preliminary forensic inputs suggest that Glock 47X pistols may have been used. “A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved,” a senior officer said.
Another officer added that the attackers appeared to have coordinated the interception of Rath’s vehicle before firing from close range. A suspicious vehicle used to block the car has also been seized, though its number plate was found to be fake.
Rath’s driver, Buddhadeb Bera, who also sustained bullet injuries, is being treated at a Kolkata hospital. The body will be handed over to the family after post-mortem examination, with BJP leaders stating that last rites will be conducted according to the family’s wishes.
Party leaders have been in continuous contact with Rath’s relatives as investigations continue into what has now become one of the most politically sensitive killings in the state.
With PTI inputs