kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Madhyamgram, West Bengal, May 6–7, 2026: The shocking incident that has further intensified political tensions in the state, Chandranath Rath, a close aide and personal assistant of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in Madhyamgram on Wednesday night. The attack, carried out by unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants, has triggered widespread outrage, allegations of political conspiracy, and a heightened security alert across North 24 Parganas district.

According to police and eyewitness accounts reported from the scene, Rath was travelling in a vehicle near the Doharia area when two armed men on a bike intercepted his car. The attackers reportedly opened fire at close range before fleeing the spot. Rath sustained multiple gunshot injuries to his chest, abdomen, and head. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The vehicle’s driver also sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in a Kolkata hospital.

Investigators said the attackers used a motorcycle without a visible number plate, and preliminary findings suggest the use of a fake registration identity on the bike. Security forces have recovered shell casings from the crime scene, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined to trace the assailants. Senior police officials confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched.

Rath, originally from Medinipur’s Chandipur, had been residing in Madhyamgram for several years and was considered a key member of Suvendu Adhikari’s personal team. Reports indicate he had attended official work at the state assembly earlier in the evening before returning home when the attack occurred.

The incident has triggered a sharp political reaction. BJP leaders, including several senior state functionaries, have accused rival political forces of orchestrating a “targeted political killing,” alleging that the attack reflects a worsening law-and-order situation in West Bengal. Party leaders gathered outside the hospital in large numbers following the incident, demanding immediate arrests and accountability.

Suvendu Adhikari himself termed the killing a “pre-planned and cold-blooded murder,” alleging that the attackers had conducted surveillance prior to executing the assault. He has demanded a high-level investigation into the incident.

Police officials have urged restraint and stated that no conclusive evidence regarding motive or political linkage has yet been established. The Director General of Police has confirmed that multiple teams have been formed to investigate the case from different angles.

The killing comes amid reports of post-election violence and sporadic clashes in various parts of the state, including isolated incidents in North 24 Parganas and other districts. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.

The incident has deepened political tensions in West Bengal, with both major parties trading accusations while the search for the attackers remains underway.