Suvendu Adhikari's Aide Shot Dead in Bengal: Attackers Trailed Car

In a shocking and politically charged incident, Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The brazen attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, May 6, 2026, has ignited widespread political condemnation and intensified tensions in the state, coming just two days after the declaration of the West Bengal assembly election results. According to multiple credible reports, the assailants were observed trailing Rath's vehicle before launching their deadly attack. Sources indicate that motorcycle-borne miscreants intercepted Rath's car near Doharia in Madhyamgram's Doltala area. They reportedly fired at close range through the rolled-up window from the opposite side, striking Rath with multiple bullets. Rath, who was seated in the front passenger seat next to the driver, sustained critical injuries to his chest and abdominal area, with one bullet piercing his heart. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors tragically declared him brought dead. Confirming the details and expressing grave concern, Dibyendu Adhikari, brother of Suvendu Adhikari and a BJP leader himself, informed NDTV that Suvendu Adhikari was not present with Chandranath Rath at the time of the incident. Dibyendu Adhikari has vehemently called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing, underscoring the serious nature and political implications of the assassination. This demand for a central agency investigation has been echoed by other BJP leaders who allege a deeper conspiracy behind the murder and accuse the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a culture of violence. Chandranath Rath was a crucial figure in Suvendu Adhikari's political operations, serving as his executive assistant and playing a significant role in his election campaigns, including the high-stakes contest in the Bhabanipur constituency where Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee. His murder has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles, particularly given its timing so soon after the assembly poll results, which saw a decisive victory for the BJP. The incident has prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with a large police contingent deployed to the Madhyamgram area to manage rising tensions and initiate an investigation. Senior police officers have reached the spot, and efforts are underway to identify the assailants and ascertain the precise motive behind the attack. Initial reports also mentioned that Rath's driver sustained bullet injuries and was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata, where his condition was reported as critical. In response to the accusations, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has condemned the killing of Chandranath Rath and distanced itself from the allegations. The TMC also called for a court-monitored CBI investigation into the incident, while also highlighting the alleged killings of three of its own workers in incidents of post-poll violence. This exchange of accusations further underscores the heightened political animosity in West Bengal following the contentious elections. The killing of a key political aide amidst a charged political atmosphere highlights the ongoing challenges of post-election violence and political stability in West Bengal. Both major political parties, BJP and TMC, have called for thorough investigations, indicating the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for justice to prevent further escalation of violence in the state. The incident remains a focal point of discussion and concern across India's political landscape.

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